Sweets for the Mexican Day of the Dead

Many Mexicans believe that, between 1 and 2 November, deceased loved ones will return to visit the world of the living. On the Day of the Dead, people remember and honour the deceased. There are different traditions in different parts of the country, but the celebrations include many of the same elements: altars, flowers, candles, silk paper decorations, incense and ceramic decorations. Many people visit cemeteries, where they tidy up and decorate the graves of loved ones. It is common to bring food and drink to the graves as well as the favourite items of the loved ones, such as toys for deceased children. People may spend all night at the graves playing music, dancing, eating and drinking.

Sweets are prepared and placed on altars for the deceased. Especially skull-shaped sweets are also given as a gift. Different kinds of sweet pastries in the form of crosses, skeletons, coffins, etc. are also made and sold for enjoyment both at home and at memorial parties at the graves. Sugar skulls and other sweets are often intended for the youngest members of the family.

Sweets in the form of a coffin, a pig and a skull. Photos: Markku Haverinen, 2014.