Day of the Dead at the Museum of the American Indian

On the Day of the Dead, Mexicans believe that the spirits of their deceased relatives come back to visit them. They are happy about this. I wonder if they get to chose which relatives come back?

Families leave offerings of food and flowers on household alters. They visit cemeteries, decorate grave sites, and make elaborate skeletal creations.

Pictured is a skull made entirely of sugar. The skull itself is molded sugar crystals. The decoration is done in icing. It looks delicious. Typically, you would find this on an altar with bread, water, candles, flowers, and keepsakes.

This particular skull had just been made by an artist who exhibited during the Day of the Dead celebration at the National Museum of the American Indian. She was one of several artisans there showing typical Day of the Dead pieces.