Día de los Muertos

"Coco", released by Pixar in 2017, is an animated film heavily inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. The film received widespread acclaim for its representation of Mexican culture and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The traditional Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. Rooted in ancient indigenous beliefs combined with Catholic elements, this vibrant and colorful festival honors deceased loved ones. It is marked by lively parades, passionate altar-building, and visits to cemeteries to pay respects. 

Far from mourning, the Mexican holiday of "Day of the Dead" is a celebration involving music, dance, and parades to display how fondly the dead are remembered through colorful and vivacious festivities.

Nicknamed the "flower of the dead", marigolds (cempasúchil) are commonly associated with Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. They are often believed to guide the spirits of the deceased back home using their bright colors and strong scent. 

The colorfully decorated sugar skulls, especially prominent during the Día de los Muertos celebrations, are referred to as calaveras.

These skulls are crafted from sugar or clay and are intricately decorated with colorful icing, foil, and sequins. Calaveras are used to remember and honor deceased loved ones.