Throughout Latin America families honor their deceased relatives on el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is celebrated on two days, November 1st and 2nd. November 1, Día de los Inocentes, is a day dedicated to the memories of children who have died.

The holiday blends Aztec and Catholic traditions. Unlike Halloween, the days are looked on as a celebration of life and respect for the dead. Families will visit cemeteries and place flowers on their relatives’ graves and make other offerings to them, often of their favorite food or other items. Many will spend the night in the cemeteries reminiscing about their loved ones. In Mexico, people will eat calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) and pan de muerto (bread of the dead).

Photos by Amy Wopat