Death is viewed as a natural part of the cycle of life in Mexico.
The day of the dead or El dia de los muertos is a day of celebration not of sadness. It´s a day the family reunites and remembers the family no longer physically present.
Prior to the day families throughout the country create ofrendas or altars to their deceased love ones in their houses, ranches or workplaces adorned with marigold, flowers (or Cempasúchil as it is known here in Mexico) a special day of the dead bread (pan de muerto), decorated with pink sugar, candles, food, beverages and personal items of the love ones to make the altar truly unique for the souls of the love ones journey to the after life.
The family also visits the grave and celebrates with food, drink and music, it´s a joyous time for the family to reunite with the extended family both present and deceased and if you are lucky enough to witness the event you will more than likely be invited to meet, drink, sing and dance with the family by the grave site.