The fiesta of Dia de los Muertos is a celebration and honoring of the life of the ancestors who passed before. Although the festivals are a carnival in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, it is a more solemn and spiritual celebration in the rural south of Mexico. Ancient cultures believed that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is thinnest at this time of year. This tradition continues as offerings are made to the ancestors to solicit their continued good humor and help throughout the coming year.

Regardless of the location, Dia de los Muertos is a time of fabulous artistic expression as artwork, cavaleritas de azúcar (sugar skulls), altars, costumes and traditional food dishes are prepared. Originally celebrated on the 2nd of November, Dia de los Muertos is now celebrated between October 30 and November 2 depending on various spiritual traditions.

The calacas, or whimsical skulls, are symbols of life and regeneration! Marigolds are the time-honored symbol of death in Mexican folk art and can be found on many calacas. Other traditional imagery includes swirls, spirals, crosses and roses.