Continuing on our theme of Halloween Art, not only is today the first of November, it is also the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos – the multi-day holiday focusing on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey. A common symbol of the holiday is the skull, which celebrants represent in masks and foods, which are traditionally inscribed with the name of the recipient on the forehead. There is also dancing with colorful costumes, often with skull-shaped masks, during the holiday celebrations.

According to Wikipedia, in 2008 the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl.

The holiday has spread throughout the world, being absorbed within other deep traditions for honoring the dead. It has become a national symbol and as such is taught (for educational purposes) in Mexican schools.