The Day of the Dead in Mexico – Traditions

Many customs are associated with The Day of the Dead celebration. In the home an altar is made with an offering of food upon it. It is believed that the dead partake of the food in spirit and the living eats it later.
The "ofrendas"- offerings, are beautifully arranged with flowers, marigolds (zempasuchitl) that are the traditional flower of the dead. There is a candle placed for each dead soul, and they are adorned in some manner. Incense is also used. Mementos, photos, and other remembrances of the dead are also adorning the ofrenda.It is also traditional in some areas to go and see the play Don Juan Tenorio. Paper maché and sugar skulls are popular, as are cardboard coffins from which a skeleton can be made to jump out. Special masks are also worn, allowing a person to achieve a facial expression for which they feel they are inadequate to achieve