The festivities have changed through the years, but originally were intended to celebrate children and the dead. In Aztec times, the festivities took place during July and the beginning of August, but were moved to November by Spanish priests to coincide with All Saints Day. The Day of the Dead is now celebrated by Mexicans on the first two days of November, rather than at the beginning of summer, but is still a time when Mexican families remember their dead, and celebrate the continuity of life. The methods of observing this holiday vary by region and amount of urbanization. Some Mexican families visit the graves of their close kin, decorate them with brightly colored flowers, have sumptuous picnics which include sugary confections in skull shapes, and remember the departed by telling stories about them.
Some localities have parades with the townsfolk dressing up as various ghouls and skeletons.
In many homes, ofrenda's , or altars, are set up bearing flowers, bread, fruit, candy and pictures of the deceased family members. If the departed drank or smoked, Mezcal or cigarettes are added. Handmade skeleton figurines called calacas , which usually show an active and joyful afterlife, are popular. Special all night burning candles may be lit to remember the departed. Generally, the more rural regions place more importance on the religious and social aspects of the holiday.