The Day of the Dead, known in Spanish as Día de los Muertos, is a holiday that celebrates life and honors the dead through traditions, food, decorations, and activities intended to sustain the connections between the living and the dead. The Day of the Dead originated in Mexico and is celebrated around the world, beginning on the last days of October and concluding in early November, contrary to the singular "day" implied by its name. While some recognize this celebration as a time of playful skeletons, colorful papel picados ("perforated paper"), and candlelit graveyards, it has been observed in some form throughout Mexico for over 3000 years, and its traditions are as varied as the people who celebrate it.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original content at https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2807/day-of-the-dead/.