Born when Catholic missionaries combined local Aztec rituals and the Church calendar, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones. The festivities honor the deceased as continuing members of the community and teach about the cycle of life. Families often gather to clean and decorate the cemetery, sharing a meal alongside the graves of the departed. With a few traditional foods and decorations, you can bring festive remembrance home to your party.