Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 to honor the deceased. The festivities run from October 31 through November 2 and are also observed outside of Mexico in other Latin American countries such as Guatemala and Ecuador -- as well as in regions with large Latino populations, such as the U.S. If you haven't yet had the chance to see the revelry in person, these stunning photos will give you a taste of the lightheartedly macabre celebration.
An observer took this colorful photo bursting with fresh fruit and bright sweets in Mexico City's Zócalo, the city's main plaza located in the historic center.
Southeast of Mexico City, the village of Mixquic is famous for its Day of the Dead commemorations. The events culminate with La Alumbrada, when the cemetery glows spectacularly with the light of thousands of candles.
These tiny human skulls, or calaveras, are edible treats made with white sugar and colored with food dye. Angélica Portales photographed these elaborate designs on sale in Toluca, just southwest of Mexico City.
Photographer David Dennis captured this ominous figure at a market stall in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
In Brazil, on Dia de Finados, people visit churches to pay their respects to loved ones who have passed away.
On Dia de los Difuntos in Ecuador, families visit memorial parks to honor the departed. This is consistent with the old pagan tradition of decorating tombs with images and objects and bringing favorite food dishes to share with deceased loved ones.
This image of children in distinctive Day of the Dead dress and face paint was photographed in Los Angeles.
Like a corpse bride and groom, this couple is decked out in wedding wear to dance in the streets of Los Angeles.
Remembering Ernesto "Ché" Guevara in Mexico City.
This altar commemorates a shooting victim of Chicago's West Side with religious candles known as veladoras.