Instead of Halloween, many peoples of Mexico and Latin America celebrate the Day of the Dead, which is also known as “Día de los Muertos.” The holiday is celebrated on Nov. 1, Nov. 2, and other days such as Oct. 31 and Nov. 6. Día de los Muertos is celebrated to honor people’s local ancestors who have passed away, along with their family’s relatives. 

During Día de los Muertos, people like to celebrate the holiday by wearing skull masks, eating sugar candy molded into the shape of skulls, and making ofrendas. Ofrendas are Spanish offerings which can be decorated with candles, bright marigolds called cempasuchil,  and red cock’s combs. 

In medieval Spain, people brought wine and pan de ánimas, which is known as “spirit bread,” to the graves of their loved ones during the holiday. 

Día de los Muertos has been observed for around 3,000 years — and it is still celebrated today — but the holiday expanded from rural areas in Mexico to cities around 1980. In the United States, the Day of the Dead has also expanded in popularity due to popular culture trends and increased visibility. Despite this, the traditions of Día de los Muertos have remained relatively the same. 

The Day of the Dead’s tradition to “remember and honor” loved ones who have passed away has remained unchanged over time. The holiday has also served to remove stigma surrounding death.

Source: 

https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead