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The Altar
 Preparation for the celebration of the Dias De Los Muertos begins in mid - October. The gravesites are cleaned, painted, and adorned. Cempasuchil (marigolds), nube (baby's breath) and tersiopelo (cockscomb) are often placed on the graves in an artistic manner. Petals from the marigolds are scattered on the grave with the belief that this will help the souls of the deceased (anima) find their way back.
A candlelight procession to the cemetery is held in the pueblo (town) on the eve of the celebration. Offerings are brought to the graves and include the favorite foods, drink, toys, and personal belongings of the departed relatives. Family members spend the night celebrating at the cemetery, sharing in the memory of their dearly deceased. The celebration is not a mournful one, but rather a time to share with family members and visit with the souls of the departed. In the words of the great poet and writer Octavio Paz, "Fiesta (Celebration) allows us to throw down our burdens of time and reason." In the fiesta of Muertos (the Dead), time no longer bars one spirit from another by reason of death.
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What is the difference between Halloween and Day of the Dead?
 Halloween is based on the medieval European Wheel of the Year; the pause between the last day of harvest and the beginning of winter (when no food grows). Halloween is the Celtic New Year when the veil between the spirit world and the living flesh world is thinnest. Contact is made with the spirits of departed loved ones as sources of guidance and wisdom.
The Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos) is a uniquely Indo-Hispanic custom that demonstrates a sense of love and respect for ancestors. It celebrates the continuance of life, family, relationships and community solidarity; and even finds humor after death.
Why do they use skeletons?
 Dia De Los Muertos represents the spirit, which lives on. Since death comes to all humans, rich or poor and to all races, the figurines that represent all walks of life: doctors, mothers, prostitutes, farmers, artists, hairstylists and others. Skeletal images are often happy and humorous, very life like, unlike the frightening images of Halloween that commercialism has created.
Children are taught not to fear death because it is inevitable. Children learn to make, eat, and play with articles of death at an early age. Toys are used as offerings dedicated to dead children. They are made with humor (often satirical), affection, charm, and much glitter and tinsel. Most are ephemeral. In this sense, "death" becomes familiar.
"No one dies from death...
we die from living."
- Octavio Paz
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