In Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, All Souls' Day, which takes place on November 2nd, is commemorated with a three-day celebration that begins on the evening of October 31st. The celebration is designed to honor the dead who, it is believed, return to earth on Halloween. Altars are constructed in homes to honor deceased relatives. The altars are decorated with candy, flowers, pictures of the deceased, samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks, and fresh water. Candles and incense are burned to help the spirit find the way home.
Relatives also tidy the gravesites of their departed family members.
Flowers, wreaths, or paper streamers are then added to decorate the grave. On November 2nd, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce. On the evening of November 5th, bonfires are lit throughout England. Effigies are burned and fireworks are set off. Although it falls around the same time and has some similar traditions, this celebration has little to do with Halloween or the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.