One of the most important holidays in Mexico is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, when those that have passed on to another life come back to visit their families. Dia de Los Muertos is actually a series of festivities lasting about a week and ending on November 2. The preparations start in late October with families cleaning up and repairing family tombs and decorating them with flowers.
Many families construct elaborate ofrendas or altars in their homes.
A candle is lit for each dead relative and incense in burned. The ofrendas, candles and incense are believed to help the spirits find their way back to their homes. In the smaller villages there are generally a processions to the graveyards on the evening of the second and most families hold an all night vigil, complete with foods, drinks and sometimes a mariachi band to entertain the spirits and the living. Your Altar Each tour participant will build their own altar dedicated to a loved one who has passed away. You'll bring photos from home and shop in the markets in Oaxaca for the makings of your own personal altar.