At home

The Day of the Dead is typically celebrated at home with family and friends.  Images of deceased loved ones adorn an altar in a special place in the home.  Items such as candles, flowers, their favorite treats, and/or mementos are placed on the altar as well.  These items, along with the pictures are a physical reminder of departed loved ones.  People play music, share stories, tell jokes, etc., to keep the memory of these alive. 

At the cemetery or church

Countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, and Brazil celebrate Day of the Dead. Aside from remembrances at home, people often take to the cemeteries or churches on this day.  Countless flowers, floral arrangements, and scattered petals adorn gravesites and church floors.  Friends and family in Mexico bring bands, like mariachis, to these sites to play favorite songs of the deceased.  They wash, clean, and decorate the tombstones, light candles, and set up pictures, lay samples of their favorite foods, and spend time with the dearly departed.  It is important to note that in Mexico the tone of the day is one of celebration while in Spain it is one of remembrance.

Parades and more

Aside from the above mentioned ways of celebrating Day of the Dead, parades are a big way to celebrate too!  Notable ones take place in Mexico City and Los Angeles.  People dress up as skeletons, apply makeup, and carry images of their loved ones along parade routes.  They make offerings, sing songs, and recount good times spent with their departed.