The Day of the Dead or "Dia de los Muertes" is a national holiday in Mexico and many other countries recognize similar holidays, but they all have the same meaning to commemorate the people that have died in the past. It is celebrated on November 1st, and November 2nd. The first day is mostly focused on the infants and children that have died in the past being commonly called, "Dia de los inocentes". The second day is more to commemorate the adults that have past away and is referred to as "The Day of the Dead". This holiday originates from Aztecs but many cultures celebrating similar festivals up to 3,000 years ago.
I think that having a special holiday each year commemorating the lives of those we have lost is a good thing, and to be honest I am surprised we don't have a similar holiday in The United States, although some parts of the U.S. do celebrate this holiday but only in the southern/western parts that have a much higher population of Latin-Americans. How they commemorate their dead seems a bit odd to me by bringing the deceased's favorite foods and other candies to their graves or memorials. I would think that flowers would be a bit more fitting but I know that that is only because our cultures are different and that that is a tradition that has been going on for a countless number of years.
Site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead
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