The holiday celebrates death as an important part of life. “It is a moment to find your ancestors and people who were important to you and celebrate their lives, the impact that they have in your own story,” she says. “They are still with you.

Spaniards introduced the Catholic calendar and moved the practice of honoring the dead to All Souls Day, celebrated on November 2nd. The tradition is rooted in the native Mexican belief that life on earth is a preparation for the next world and that it is important to maintain a strong relationship with the dead.

All Souls' Day, also known as the "Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed" and the "Day of the Dead" or "Día de los Muertos", is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, which is observed by Roman Catholics and other Christian denominations annually on 2 November.

Día de los Muertos is always celebrated November 1 & 2 They saw the dead as still being members of the family, who came alive through memory and spirit. Once the Spanish arrived in Mexico, this holiday got intertwined with All Saints' Day (celebrated November 1) and All Souls' Day (celebrated November 2).