7 Strange Halloween Traditions from Around the World

5. Día de los Muertos – Mexico

Another fall celebration that honors the dead is the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos, which is held every year on November 2^nd, after the celebration of the Día de los Inocentes on November 1^st. Translating into English as the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos isn’t a dour holiday — it’s purpose is to demonstrate respect and love for deceased family members, and although community traditions vary across the country, on the whole, they’re vibrant, colorful, joyful, and fun. The holiday dates back several thousand years to the indigenous Aztec, Toltec, and Nahua people of Mexico, who believed that death was only a stage in the cycle of life, and consequently thought that mourning the dead was disrespectful. Today, many families honor their heritage by building altars in their homes, filled with offerings to their deceased family members, candles, photos, and other joyful mementos. Typical foods for this holiday include brightly decorated candy skulls made of pressed sugar, and pulque [a fermented drink made of agave sap]. During these festive days, the streets fill with people dressed in their finest clothes, painted to look like skeletons, making music loud enough to wake the dead.

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