Mexico's Day of the Dead boasts a rich and fascinating history that stretches back centuries. It's a celebration unlike any other, a vibrant tapestry woven from ancient beliefs, cultural adaptations, and a deep respect for the cycle of life and death.
The story begins long before the Spanish conquest, more than 3000 years ago, in the flourishing civilizations of Mesoamerica. The Aztecs, along with other cultures like the Maya, held a cyclical view of the universe where death was not an ending, but a transition. They believed the spirits of the dead embarked on a challenging journey to the underworld, Mictlán.
Elaborate ceremonies were held throughout the year to honor deceased ancestors. These ceremonies involved creating offerings on altars. These offerings, which could include food, drinks, and precious objects, were believed to sustain the spirits on their journey and demonstrate the ongoing connection between the living and the dead.

Today, the Day of the Dead remains a vibrant and cherished tradition across Mexico. While the core beliefs and practices remain strong, regional variations exist. One of the main region to experience authentic Day of the Dead is Patzcuaro town in Michoacan state. For local indigenous people - Purepechas, this is one of the most important religious events of the year. The Purepechas call this ritual Animeecheri kúinchekua, a celebration of the souls in purgatory (meaning “another life” in this context) and it is the opportunity to see these souls again, a mix of the people between this world and the next. For the Purepechas, when someone dies they bury their body but their soul keeps on living and it is reunited with those who passed before them.
The celebration has also gained international recognition, with many cultures around the world adopting elements of the Day of the Dead. However, at its heart, the Day of the Dead remains a distinctly Mexican tradition – a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage and a beautiful expression of life's impermanence and the love that transcends it.

These brightly decorated skulls come in all shapes and sizes, often bearing the names of the deceased. A playful reminder of mortality, calaveras represent a lighthearted way to acknowledge death's inevitability. They are often made of sugar, a sweet reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death.

The fragrant smoke of copal incense is believed to cleanse the area of negativity and create a sacred space for the spirits' arrival. The distinct aroma is associated with the Day of the Dead and adds another layer of sensory experience to the celebrations.

While not traditionally placed on ofrendas, La Catrina is a captivating and iconic figure associated with the Day of the Dead. This elegantly dressed skeleton woman represents death, but in a satirical and flamboyant way. La Catrina is a reminder that death comes for everyone, regardless of social status.