Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated November 1 and 2. According to dayofthedeadsf.org, it is a blend of Aztec and Catholic traditions. Even though Halloween and Dia de los Muertos are close together on the calendar and have similar themes, they are not related.

Dia de los Muertos is a time set aside to remember friends and family who have passed away. To celebrate, families prepare a brightly-colored altar to the dead, whose spirits are believed to visit. 

Ofrendas, or offerings, like pictures, candles and incense are placed on the altar. Sugar skulls, Pan de Muerto (a sweet, round loaf of bread decorated with smaller pieces of bone-shaped bread) and the favorite foods of those who are being remembered are also left on the altar. 

Many Mexican families also attend local civic festivities with dancing and bright costumes and throw parties, serving traditional Mexican recipes and Pan de Muerto.

You can bring the bright colors and delicious foods of Dia de los Muertos to your home too. Simply prepare your favorite tasty Mexican recipes like enchiladas, nachos, tacos, bean burritos, Mexican rice, tamales or quesadillas. Delectable tomatillo and corn soup would also be perfect to serve.

Also offer homemade tortilla chips such as these Chili-Lime Tortilla Chips. They are a much healthier choice than the over-salted, deep-fried chips from the grocery store. You can bake them, control the amount of salt in the recipe and add delicious flavors like chili and lime.

Enjoy delicious Mexican recipes and time spent with family and friends at your own Dia de los Muertos celebration!