From sloppy speeches to no-shows
In Mexico, it's a day of cheer and color, as people celebrate the life of those who have passed on.
The festival includes a tribute to the artist José Guadalupe Posada, the creator of 'La Calavera Catrina.'
Candles are also used at night and put on the altar to guide the souls.
Gradually, it became associated with All Saints' Day.
Skulls and skeletons are often dressed up in fancy party clothing, and displayed throughout the festivities in entertaining situations.
People dress up as demons, ghosts, mummies, and skeletons.
Each country has its own customs and traditions when it comes to celebrating the holiday.
It is also common to see a flower arch during the festivities. This has a special significance.
During the winter, monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico.
In Mexico, it is even believed that the dead can come back to visit their living family.
They dedicated the celebration to Mictecacihuatl or the "Lady of the Dead."
November 2 is when the adults return.
In the pre-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls as trophies.
On November 1, the spirits of the children come back.
One of the frenetic action scenes that characterizes the beginning of Bond films was shot during Day of the Dead. The secret agent (Daniel Craig) was in costume, flirting and hunting criminals in the middle of the crowd. He even had a surreal fight scene in a helicopter flying over a bustling Mexico City.
However, Manolo is bitten by a snake and dies, starting a journey through three different worlds: the Land of the Remembered, the Land of the Forgotten, and the Land of the Living.
Other cinematic productions inspired by the Day of the Dead are: 'Coco' (2017), 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' (2003), 'The Crow: City of Angels' (1996), and 'Blood In, Blood Out' (1993).
See also: Mexico's many natural wonders
The holiday also inspired an animated film called 'The Book of Life,' by Jorge R. Gutierrez. In the movie, Manolo (voiced by Diego Luna) is a flamenco violinist vying for Maria's (Zoe Saldana) love against Joaquin (Channing Tatum).
Bond's costume in 'Spectre' (2015) was inspired by the festivity. The costumes from this part of the film were shown at a commemorative exhibit in Paris entitled 'Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style,' in April 2016.
Day of the Dead celebrations have even inspired Hollywood films.
This event happens in the Mexican city of Aguascalientes on November 2.
Catrina came from Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada's etching 'La Calavera Catrina.'
One of the other trademarks of the Day of the Dead is the dramatic and elaborate makeup.
The locals welcome them, believing that the beautiful insects carry the spirits of the dead.
It is estimated to be more than 3,000 years old.
According to mythology, Mictecacihuatl was the Queen of Mictlan.
They parade down the streets with open coffins displaying smiling representations of corpses.
It is believed that they help guide the souls of the departed.
Mictecacihuatl was in charge of guarding the bones of the dead.
The Mexican holiday of Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is increasingly popular all over the world. The event is a joyous, colorful celebration consisting of music, processions, and offerings to the dead. Due to its unique character, the holiday was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Click through the gallery for a look at the vibrant festivities around the world, and to learn more about this uniquely Mexican celebration!
Day of the Dead: a colorful celebration
This vibrant Mexican holiday is celebrated on November 2
LIFESTYLE Mexico
The Mexican holiday of Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is increasingly popular all over the world. The event is a joyous, colorful celebration consisting of music, processions, and offerings to the dead. Due to its unique character, the holiday was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Click through the gallery for a look at the vibrant festivities around the world, and to learn more about this uniquely Mexican celebration!