Sugar skulls and altars: Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead

Since prehispanic times, it is believed that on these days, the souls of the departed return to visit living relatives and eat and drink as they did when alive. Families gather to honour their ancestors through ofrendas (altars), typically decorated with cempasuchil (marigolds), candles, photographs of the departed and the deceased’s favorite foods and beverages, as well as many other small trinkets, including small coffins, often with pop-up skeletons. These altars range in size and are placed both in homes and at the gravesites.

Calaveras (skulls) form an important part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Originally, skulls and skeletons were represented in the art of prehispanic Mexico, particularly the Aztec civilization which ruled much of Mexico at the time of the Spanish conquest. The skull also forms an important part of the altar, where they are decorated with paper foil for eyes and colored icing for hair. Names can be added to the skull and Mexican children often exchange named skulls with their friends. Sweets and candy skulls are traditionally intended for the angelitos (little angels) -- the young souls of departed children, who return to earth in the late afternoon of October 31.

Another must is pan de muertos, made with anise, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, yeast and orange peel, and decorated with strips of dough simulating bones. It is tradition for families to come together and share bread in remembrance of the dearly departed. Another traditional dish is the tasty calabaza en tacha (candied pumpkin), prepared with cinnamon and brown sugar.