Dia de los muertos, day of the dead, is a Mexican tradition of celebrating the life of loved ones that have passed on.  Altars are made by families to remember those who have died and to help them on their spiritual journey. My family has been celebrating this holiday in our own way for years. It is believed during this time you are able to commune with the dead. In the past when it has fallen during a weekend we have had parties and asked guests bring offerings for the altar and/or pictures of loved ones. We then would write notes to those that have died and burn them in the fire to send the messages to the spirit world.

The holiday has taken off here in the states in the last few years. Sugar skulls are everywhere these days and it is much easier to find a local celebration of some kind. Atlanta has a very authentic festival held at the history center. I ate real Mexican food and was immersed in the culture instead of the marketing tactic it is becoming to lure in customers all around town at various businesses.