Día de los Muertos is often associated with Halloween. There are some similarities; both holidays happen around the same time of year, but Día de los Muertos occurs on multiple days. Traditionally practiced on November 1st and 2nd, there is often a week or more preparation of decorations, activities, and performances.

Day of the Dead is an adaptation of the Catholic holiday All Saints Day: a symptom of colonization. Much of Mexico has been affected and influenced by past conquerers from Spain, which leaves the Mexican identity with a level of ambiguity. In response, the rituals done during Day of the Dead can be considered an act of defiance against the pressure of colonial cultures as Mexicans practice traditions that give a nod to their indigenous roots. Indigenous identity is something colonization has attempted to strip away, but has managed to persevere in the face of oppression. It's what sets Mexicans apart from their colonizers, giving them a piece of ancient practice and beliefs that are all their own. Perhaps to further claim their autonomy, over time Mexicans have adopted a very unique perspective and view of death that is different from most other cultures. In Día de los Muertos Mexicans have taken the historically morose concept of death and made it a reason for celebration. Mexico is known for their playful attitude around dying, which can be recognized in the skull candies and paper mâché skeletons that line the streets in cities that celebrate, along with vibrant performances and parades that often last long into the night. 

Day of the Dead as a whole is meant to welcome home spirits of loved ones who have passed on. Most elements of the holiday are catered to luring the spirits back to the land of the living, and to make them comfortable. One of those crucial elements to attract the spirits is the ofrenda, or alter, which is explained in more detail on the site.