Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead

Dia de los Muertos - November first and second
Family members and friends gather to pray for and remember friends and family who have died. The holiday is in connection with the Catholic holiday, All Saint's Day.  November 1 is Día de los Inocentes ("Day of the Innocents") or Día de los Angelitos ("Day of the Little Angels") where the  family honor the departed children or infants.  Other departed family members are honored on November 2 which is called Día de los Muertos or Día de los Difuntos ("Day of the Dead").
People travel to cemeteries laden with flowers, to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages as well as photos and memorabilia of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. The decoration of the graves or ofrendas ("offerings"), which often include orange flowers (Mexican marigolds). A common symbol of the holiday is the skull (called calavera), which celebrants represent in masks, called calacas (colloquial term for "skeleton"), and foods such as sugar or chocolate skulls, which are inscribed with the name of the recipient on the forehead.  It is believed that the spirits consume the essence and the aroma of the foods that are offered. When the spirits depart, the living consume the food and share it with their family, friends and neighbors.
The celebrations are very different in parts of the country.  In the southern interior there are parades and public celebrations.  Here it is a family celebration which take place in the grave yards.
Although it sounds morbid and  gloomy, it is not.  It is a celebration and reconnection with departed family members and often becomes a party with music. 
In some places it is customary to spend the whole night in the cemetery. People make a party of it, having a picnic supper, playing music, talking and drinking through the night.
On, October 31, Joanne and I are surprised to find that some of the streets in the market have been closed to traffic, and stalls have been constructed to sell flowers, bread, pastries, candies etc. for the celebration.

Mexican marigolds.

Mother and daughter  selling sweet rolls and other baked goods.

Afternoon Siesta...just had to!

Marigolds and Magenta Cocks Comb.

After checking prices at several stalls, these flowers above probably cost the girl forty pesos or about $4.

I bought one of these for five pesos or about 50 cents.

sugar skulls with tape to write the name of the deceased

candy in the form of ofrendas ("offerings") or mini shrines.

the amazing detail of these candies

Joanne and I felt that it might be an intrusion on our part if we were to visit and see the celebrations in the cemeteries....so we didn't although driving past them now the gravesides are filled with flowers.