Most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and
decorate their graves with ofrendas, or offerings, which often
include yellow or orange marigold flowers thought to attract souls
of the dead.
Toys are brought for dead children (los angelitos, or little
angels), and bottles of tequila, mezcal, pulque or atole for
adults. Families will also offer trinkets and the deceased's
favorite candies (dulces) on the grave. Ofrendas (offerings) are
also put in homes, usually with foods such as candied pumpkin, pan
de muerto ("bread of the dead") or sugar skulls and beverages such
as atole. The ofrendas are provided in the homes as a welcoming
gesture for the deceased. Some people believe the spirits of the
dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrenda food. Additionally,
pillows and blankets are left out so that the deceased can rest
after their long journey. In some parts of Mexico, such as the
towns of Mixquic, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, people spend all night
beside the graves of their relatives.
Some families build altars or small shrines in their homes.
These altars usually have the Christian cross, statues or pictures
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictures of deceased relatives and
other persons, and scores of candles. Traditionally, families spend
time around the altar praying and telling anecdotes about the
deceased. In some locations, celebrants wear shells on their
clothing so when they dance the dead will wake up because of the
noise. Some will dress up as the deceased.
