Of all the traditional Mexican celebrations, by far the most important is El Día de Muertos, The Day of the Dead. Views differ on whether the event has indigenous, pre-Hispanic roots, whether it is a modern adaptation of ancient European tradition, or a combination of both.

The deeply rooted belief is that on November 1 and 2, the spirits of those who have died are granted divine permission to return to earth for one day. The spirits of those who died as children are granted permission to return on November 1. Those who died as adults return on November 2.

Families await the arrival of the spirits of loved ones, welcoming them with ofrendas, home altars covered in flowers, candles, incense, food, and drinks. The dead return home for one day, as they have for millennia, to be with their families and to enjoy the essence of their favorite earthly pleasures.