Quite a gray title to some, the Day of the Dead is a celebration for many all over the world. It is a celebration of family members who have passed on over the years and pays tribute to their lives. The festival is thought to have traced back many years ago to the time of the Aztecs, when it is believed to have been a festival dedicated to Mictecacihuatl, queen of the underworld.
There are several festivals around that mirror this celebration and it is spread over a two day period. The first day is a celebration of children and infants who have passed away while the second day is for the adults. Usually graves are decorated and people commonly make their own personal altars in remembrance. It has even been portrayed by the Mexican government, who value its practices as important to Mexican heritage.