Elaborate altars are constructed by family members and decorated with everything above as well as things that held an important place in the life of the departed. Music, particularly well liked foods, hobbies and even alcohol and cigarettes might adorn the altar. Deceased children are provided with toys as well as sweets. The spirits of the dead are believed to come home for a visit on this holiday and the repast is laid out for them to provide sustenance for the journey. Traditionally the altars are set up at home but in Mesilla, the Plaza is converted for the celebration and altars are erected among food and gift vendors.
Musicians play festive music as children run and play among the skeletons.
Vendors and visitors alike have faces painted in black and white to resemble the dead. Altars are not only erected for relatives that have passed on but for sometimes for pets and even celebrities. This year, there was an altar to a deceased piranha fish as well as Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Billy the Kid and Selena. Franks altar was complete with his favorite brand of booze and cigarettes. Los Dias de los Muertos is not for sorrow and sadness but to celebrate the good times and to remember the happiness shared in the past.