#day-of-the-dead

#day-of-the-dead

The origins of Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, can be traced back hundreds of years to an Aztec festival that honored the goddess of the dead, Mictecacihuatl. The party lasted a month. With the arrival of European colonists, the Catholic Church shrank it to a couple of days, coinciding with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, usually the first two days of November. Family and friends decorate altars with offerings such as candles, flowers, photos and meaningful memorabilia.

Known in Spanish as "Dia de los Muertos," the Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most important annual festivities and a huge international attraction. Colorful costumes and parade floats are used to preserve memories and honor dead family membersImage: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images The festivities begin on October 31, when families welcome the spirits of deceased children. The parade also features colorful, fantastical sculptures known as alebrijesImage: Luis Cortes/REUTERS

In Charlotte, North Carolina, a black food truck moves slowly down the road. It doesn't deliver food it delivers art. Inside, lights, copal incense, pan de muerto (sweet bread for Day of the Dead), and a calavera (skull decoration) welcome anyone who steps into the Mobile Art Studio, the traveling project of Mexican artivist Rosalia Torres-Weiner, 64, which this year's Dia de Muertos, or Day of Dead has been transformed into an immersive, free experience for Latino communities in the southern United States.