Imagine a holiday when the dead return to their homes and visit their families! This holiday takes place only in Mexico on November 1 and 2, at the same time as All Saints' Day and All Soul's Day. This holiday is not solemn, not morbid, but rather, though dedicated to remembrance, it is a period full of life, color, play, and festival.
 
The festivities begin October 31, when the "angelitos" (children who have died) start arriving in time for All Saint's Day on November 1. November 2, All Soul's Day is devoted to departed adults.
 
In preparation, elaborate altars with food and offerings are erected. These include pictures of the deceased as well as things they had enjoyed in life. Copal incense is burned to help the dead find their way home.
 
Families decorate grave sites with gorgeous wreaths and flowers, and in many villages, marigold petals are scattered along paths from the graves to the altars so the dead souls can find their way. Parades and festivities greet the dead. Paraders often wear skeleton costumes or black robes with skull masks.
 
At this time of year, markets are filled with handmade objects devoted to death. The imagery is wild and animated, satiric and humorous, including sugar skulls and skeletons from all walks of life.