Although the dates overlap, Día de Muertos is not a Mexican version of Halloween, though the two share some traditions.

The origin of Día de Muertos comes from the Aztec belief that, once a year, the souls of our the deceased would visit the world of the living for one night, traveling all the way from Mictlán, the underworld.

The most typical flowers to place at the ofrenda are cempasúchil, a plant endemic to Mexico that blooms on these dates The word cempasúchil translates to “flower of twenty petals”. This flower is also known as flower of the dead. They represent the sun’s light and with their smell, guide the path for the deceased to find their way.

Monarch butterflies, or Quetzalpapálotl as the Aztecs called them, are closely tied to this festivity, these butterflies were believed to guard the soul of the dead. The arrival of the monarch butterflies to Mexico in November coincides with the Day of the Dead.

For those who do not want to wait for their deceased at home, the party is also held in the cemetery! Many people in Mexico decorate the graves of their relatives with cempasúchil flowers and candles, bring food, play live music, and spend the night with their loved ones.

Due to the cultural richness of this celebration, in 2008 UNESCO listed Día de Muertos as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Xoloitzcuintli Aztec tradition, the xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo hairless dog, is a sacred guide for the dead. According to legend, they ferry souls across the Apanohuacalhuia River on their journey to the afterlife.

Alebrijes Created by Mexico City artist Pedro Linares in the 1930s after a vivid dream, alebrijes are now a staple of Mexican folk art, particularly in the state of Oaxaca. Role: They are fantastical, brightly colored creatures that can be seen as spirit guides and protectors, often depicted as blending the features of different animals and mythical beings. Cultural Significance: In celebrations like Día de los Muertos, alebrijes represent spiritual guidance and rebirth, and are frequently featured on altars and in public displays.