Day of the Dead Figurines. -- Spike Mafford/Photodisc Green/Getty Images

Q: When does Mexico celebrate the Day of the Dead? We won't be travelling any time soon but are planning for next year.

-- L. Yeung, Scarborough

A: The Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico and a few other -- mostly Latin American -- countries such as Peru and Brazil. While it commemorates those who have died, it is actually a celebration of life so happiness and warm memories surround the celebrations.

The ancient festival was born in prehispanic times when the Aztecs, Mayans, Nahua and other indigenous tribes shared the belief that the souls of the deceased return annually to visit living relatives and eat and drink with them. These ancient cultures all celebrated the return of their dearly departed with festivals and fanfare.

Today, the Day of the Dead celebrations are alive and well in Mexico. Families gather to honour their ancestors at ofrendas -- home altars decorated with photos, candles and flowers, as well as samples of their favourite foods and drinks. The ofrendas range in size and are placed both in homes and at graves.

While they look gruesome, skulls and skeletons form an important part of modern-day celebrations. These motifs were represented in the art of prehispanic Mexico, particularly the Aztec civilization that ruled much of Mexico at the time of the Spanish conquest. Down the years, the skulls became part of popular culture.

A Day of the Dead must-have is pan de muertos or bread of the dead, which is made with anise, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, yeast and orange peel, and has curious bone motifs made from dough strips. Another traditional dish is calabaza en tacha or candied pumpkin, which is prepared with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Celebrations take place Oct. 31,or Young Souls Day, Nov. 1, All Saints Day, and Nov. 2, which is All Souls Day.

During this time, you'll find each state in Mexico paying homage to their deceased loved ones in a slightly different but equally colourful way. No matter where you go, you will witness incredible displays of tradition and culture.