The death´s day, is one of the most famous and beautiful traditions of Mexico, in 2003 it was declared by UNESCO, as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The celebration of the death´s day, starts on November 1st, celebrating all saints who had an exemplary life, as well as the deceased children, on November 2nd is the general celebration, its when people make altars with offerings to the deceased, they believe, these days the souls are allowed to visit their relatives alive on earth, so many families spend the night awake, honoring their dead and lighting up with candles their way to the earth. In these altars you must put the favorite food of the deceased, images that remind you, candles that should always be lit, which together with the yellow "cempasuchil" flower, symbolizes the light that will illuminate the path of souls. Also should be elements that reflect the water, air, fire and earth.
Mexican popular culture finds diverse meanings to show its feeling for this tradition. Among the most popular are the famous literary skulls "calaveras", which are rhymed verses with comic situations and costumes such as "La Catrina", a skull dressed in different colorful attire, with a hat of feathers or flowers, as a sign of the presence of death in everyday life.  "La Catrina" was created by the Mexican José Guadalupe Posada and baptized by the painter Diego Rivera. In Quintana roo the "Hanal Pixan" is the Mayan celebration of the death.  Start with the embroidery of the tablecloths used on the table; the clay dishes and the wax candles. A general cleaning of the entire house is done, the walls are painted, the chores must be finished early. It is a customary practice, to sleep early the night before, in order not to disturb the souls that are coming. These altars in the Yucatán PenÃnsula have the following characteristics: - Table: Should have elements such as clay, wood and "jÃcaras". - Tablecloth: It is attributed to the clouds, for the Maya there were thirteen upper and nine lower skies. - Salt and water: There is a container for each element, the meaning its about the origin and end of life.
- The censer: Help with its light to make the "essence" of food more pleasant to the souls.
For the Mayans the food deposited on the altar is consumed spiritually by the souls to which it is dedicated, leaving behind only their physical presence. - Mucbil chicken or pib: It is a tamale or corn cake, stuffed with stews made with various meat and spices, it is the dish of the Mayan dead.
This day of the death, let's celebrate Mexican traditions in a big way!
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References:
Elarrayan,com, Lossaboresdemexico,com, Unionyucatan,mx, Mexicodesconocido, Sexenio, Whatthegirl,com