Since September, iconic Day of the Dead decorations have been appearing throughout Mexico’s streets and stores. It’s more than a marketing exercise, though — Mexicans take this holiday seriously.

Every year on Nov. 1 and 2, Mexican families take time out to remember, pray for, and host the spirits of loved ones who have passed away. Here’s what happens:

On those days, graveyards become full of the living. It’s like a party; visitors decorate the graves and tombs, and bring flowers, balloons — even Mariachis — with them.

In many little towns (pueblitos) the celebrations last into the night, and the graves are beautiful surrounded by candles and offerings.

There are actually two days of the dead: The first one, celebrated on Nov. 1, is just for the “little deads ” — the kids; the second, on Nov. 2, is for the grown-ups.

The annual celebration is the second biggest day for flower sales, out-purchased only by Mother’s Day. The cempoasichitl, a sort of marigold, is a poular choice people use as an “ofrendas” made at the grave. 

The night before the Day of the Dead, you should leave an ofrenda that includes the four elements for your deceased loved ones, otherwise they will not be waiting for you when you die.

Air is represented by the intense perfume of the cempasuchitl flowers — also known as theFlower of the Dead — that will lead the dead ones to the ofrenda, and by paper streamers that made a nice noise in the wind.

Earth is symbolised by food and fruit, while fire is represented by candles that light the route for deceased loved ones to find their way back to you.

Water is left to quench the thirst of the deceased, who will need a drink after their long journey — and a sampling of their favourite tequila is usually also appreciated.

A picture of the dead, and all the things they enjoyed in life — from Playstations to comics — is also left so the deceased will feel at home.

People will tradtionaly give you a sugar or a chocolate skull with your name on it that you can eat after the holiday.

You may also receive a humorous rhyming poem called a “calavera” (skull). It’s a personalized ode, that ends in your being killed off by Death, who is called by one of his many synonyms: the skinny, the cold, the bony, the “tilica” or the “Catrina,”

Another essential part of an ofrenda is the Bread of Dead, a delicious circle of bread with sugar that may also come with some bone-shaped loafs.

One of the most populart icons found duting the Day of the Dead is the Catrina, an image created by the illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada, but made famous by the great Mexican painter Diego Rivera (husband of Frida Kalho).

It is the skeleton of a fancy lady, created during the 1910s, which represents the death of high-class society. Nowadays you can find this image repeated in paintings, handicrafts, even costumes.

Not everybody waits at home for the spirits to visit them.

Halloween is celebrated in Mexican culture, and young people go out and celebrate in fancy dress costumes.

The good news is that nobody has to work or attend school the next day, Nov. 2.