The origin of this celebration is not entirely clear, it is believed to be the result of the combination of the Mesoamerican and Spanish cultures. During the pre-Hispanic era, the Aztecs, once a year, celebrated Mictecacihuatl, who was the goddess of the dead, this event was due to the fact that it was believed that an afterlife existed. Nowadays there is historical documentation that this holiday was celebrated during the Colony, but there is nothing between pre-Hispanic cultures and the Day of the Dead, which leaves doubts about the origin of the celebration. This is why the most accepted theory on its origin is syncretism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Day of the Dead is not necessarily a sad celebration, rather a day to celebrate the deceased with family and to remember them. It has more to do with an intimate encounter. According to Octavio Paz, this celebration gave identity to Mexicans because they have a “very special relationship with the dead.” The Day of the Dead has many variations in the country. For example, in the Yucatan peninsula, more precisely in Campeche, there is a tradition of opening tombs and cleaning the clothes of the deceased. In the capital and its surroundings the most common thing is to put an altar, both at home and in the pantheon, it is also very common to decorate them with Cempasuchil flowers and sugar skulls. In the north it is usual to have competitions and exhibitions of altars, processions and dances on the Catrina, during these celebrations gastronomic events also take place, in this case in this part of the country it has more of a social meaning. In Michoacan is where the celebration was born, its main epicenter is in Janitzio Island, where the traditions of purepecha have been preserved, a particular tradition is that in some parts of the state communities wake up in the morning to hunt ducks and eat them later. The elements that all variations have in common are the use of images and meals based on people's pleasures. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Most Latin American countries have a tradition of visiting pantheons and making altars with elements in honor of the deceased. There are some that go to the next level and make more than just an altar. For example, in Guatemala, communities fly kites because they are supposed to scare away evil spirits. In Nicaragua it is tradition to sleep all night next to the tombs of the deceased. In Peru, an entire banquet of food is offered to the deceased, so that the spirit can enjoy it for 24 hours.