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Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.
  • Mexican families gather at the cemetery, bringing flowers and food offerings, to honor their deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead festivities in Tzurumútaro, Michoacán, Mexico, 3 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Chiseled paper flags (papel picado) are hung in the patio of a colonial house during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Chiseled paper flags (papel picado) are hung over the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 3 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated scull is placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Mexican family members light candles and pray at the cemetery to honor their deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead celebration in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated skeleton figurine is seen at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 3 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Young couples, costumed as ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, walk through the town during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Decorated graves, covered by cempasúchil flowers (marigolds), are seen during the Day of the Dead celebration at the cemetery in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Mexican musicians play next to a columbarium during the Day of the Dead festivities in the cemetery of Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A young girl, dressed as ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, walks through the town during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A Mexican family gathers at the flower-decorated grave to honor the deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead festivities in Tzurumútaro, Michoacán, Mexico, 3 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Colorful sugar skull candies are sold on the market during the Day of the Dead festivities in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Young couples, costumed as ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, walk through the town during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A Mexican woman sits at the flower-decorated gravesite to honor her deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead celebration in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Richly decorated graves, covered by flowers, offerings and candles, are seen during the Day of the Dead celebration at the cemetery in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A black cross is seen at the flower-decorated grave during the Day of the Dead festivities in Tzurumútaro, Michoacán, Mexico, 3 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A picture of ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, is seen at an altar during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Food offerings are placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A young couple, costumed as ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, walks through the town during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Decorated sugar sculls are placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Cempasúchil-flower cross, food offerings and candles are placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A Mexican man sits at the flower-decorated gravesite to honor his deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead celebration in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated scull is placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A young couple, costumed as ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, walks through the town during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Mexican families bring flowers to the cemetery to honor their deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Decorated graves, covered by cempasúchil flowers (marigolds), are seen during the Day of the Dead celebration at the cemetery in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A young girl, dressed as ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, walks through the town during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Colorful sugar skull candies are sold on the market during the Day of the Dead celebration in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated scull is placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead holiday in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A cross made of cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) is placed at a gravesite during the Day of the Dead celebration in the cemetery of Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A Mexican boy sits at the candle-decorated gravesite to honor his deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead celebration in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A man wearing a bull costume, accompanied by musicians, performs during the Day of the Dead festivities in the cemetery of Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A young couple, costumed as ‘La Catrina’, a Mexican pop culture icon representing the Death, poses for a picture during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A cross made of cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) is placed at a gravesite during the Day of the Dead celebration in the cemetery of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Food offerings are placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A dog lies at the flower-decorated grave of a child during the Day of the Dead celebration in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico, 2 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated scull is placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated scull is placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead festival in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated scull is placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated scull is placed at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead celebration in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 1 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • A decorated skeleton figurine is seen at the altar of the dead (altar de muertos), a religious site honoring the deceased, during the Day of the Dead festivities in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, 3 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

  • Mexican families gather at the cemetery, lighting candles and bringing flowers, to honor their deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead festivities in Tzurumútaro, Michoacán, Mexico, 3 November 2014. Day of the Dead (‘Día de Muertos’) is a syncretic religious holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico, combining the death veneration rituals of the ancient Aztec culture with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather on the gravesites praying, drinking and playing music, to joyfully remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.