Día de los Muertos

'Dia de los Muertos', or 'Day of the Dead', is a holiday that celebrates life and death on the 1st and 2nd of November; it is believed that the dead awaken from their eternal sleep to celebrate with their families. While its origins are traced in Mexico, other Latin American countries also commemorate the lives of the deceased by cleaning and decorating gravesites of loved ones with colourful 'Calaveras' (skulls), 'calcas' (Skeletons) and flowers. The deceased are also remembered with 'Ofrendas'- personal shrines honouring the person, and by consuming food, and drinks and partaking in activities the dead enjoyed during their lives. Contrary to popular belief where the deceased are remembered in a sombre and sad approach, Latin American countries and cultures look forward to paying their respects in a rejoicing and joyful fashion.