Holiday in Mexico, honoring dead loved ones and making peace with the eventuality of death. Also observed to a lesser extent in other areas of Latin America and in the United States. The holiday is derived from the rituals of the pre-Hispanic peoples of Mexico. Led by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as “Lady of the Dead,” the celebration lasted a month. After Christianity was established in Mexico, this feast was merged with All Souls' Day and All Saints Day on the Catholic calendar, November 1 and 2. An example of celebration is for families to adorn grave sites or altars with candles, marigolds, and the favorite foods of deceased relatives. Today, the festivities are often characterized by black humor. Toys and food, including breads and candies, are created in the shape of symbols of death such as skulls and skeletons.
