El Dia De Los Muertos is a tradition that comes from the Aztec and Mayan civilization.  It is a day of celebration to honor the ancestors who have died an to thank them for all the things they have for us.  It is a way to communicate to the ancestors all the things that have been going on since their death.  It also is a way to let the community know who the ancestors were and why they are being honored.

Originally, El Dia De Los Muertos was tied into the Cycle of life and death.  The God of Life (Quetzalcoatl) has a counterpart which is the God of Death (Mictlantecuhtli).  This tradition is similar to "All Saints Day".  El Dia Los Muertos also honors those who have died recently.  During this time we build altars to present gifts, food, and presents that the deceased enjoyed in life.