The ancient rituals were combined with the Catholic rituals for All Saint's Day. The Day of the Dead is a two day event. In the home, an altar in honor of the deceased relative is decorated with candles, photos and favorite foods and beverages. The spirits of the dead are expected to pay a visit to the home and the family is expected to provide food for their journey. The gravesite is also decorated and on November 2 family members gather at the cemetery for gravesite reunions.
People bring picnics, bottles of tequila for toasting and sometimes mariachi bands.
In the 1970s missionaries began pouring into Central America and Mexico. People representing all churches came to preach their version of the Gospel. Mexicans feels strongly about keeping the ancient traditions alive and fortunately there are groups that are working diligently in preserving their ancient ways even as influences from the United States and other Western cultures are being brought into the country. This is inside the Catedral in Mexico City.