THIS TIME NEXT YEAR
WHAT IS IT? Every year, Mexicans pay tribute to departed loved ones with ofrendas (decorated memorial altars) and other festive rituals. The Aztecs and other indigenous peoples believed that the dead would briefly return around the end of the maize harvest, and that it was disrespectful to shed tears for them. When the Spanish colonised Mexico, these traditions mixed with Catholic practices.
WHEN TO SEE IT Strictly speaking, Día de Muertos means 2 November, All Souls’ Day, but it’s usual to begin the party the day before (All Saints’ Day), or 31 October – Halloween.