Findings at an archeological site near Oaxaca, Mexico date the celebration of the Day of the Dead back to 1800BC. but with the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors in 1521, came the destruction of indigenous culture in Mexico. Rather than abandoning their traditions, the people of Mexico incorporated their Day of the Dead with the Catholic's All Saints Day. Although both days fall on November 2, the Day of the Dead festivities begin on October 1- the date the dead return to visit their living relatives. Unlike the Spanish, the indigenous Mexicans believed, and still do believe, that death is a continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them life was a dream and only in death did they beome truly awake. During the Day of the Dead, the Mexican people decorate gravesites with cempazuchitl (yellow marigolds- the traditional symbol of death), and decorated sugar calvera (skulls). At home, altars are made with ofrenda for the dead- food, alcohol, incense, music, cigarettes- whatever the dead enjoyed during their life is offered to them at the altar.   Today the festive character of the Day of the Dead has come to surpass its religious function, marking it as one of the most acclaimed cultural events on the Mexican calendar. Celebrations are held in zocalos (the main squares) to remind tourists of the Mexican fascination with death and flowers. Papier mache skeletons are popular, as are cardboard coffins, masks, and paper banners. The borders of this page are made from a Mexican game called Loteria which can be bought from Latinworks Co.com