Mexican culture is marked with wondrous holidays and traditions that encapsulate the spirit of who we are. One of our favorites? Día de Muertos.

Día de Muertos—Day of the Dead—kicked off earlier this week and officially lasts through tomorrow, and Mexico City has been bustling with events and celebrations around the holiday of remembrance.

The multi-day holiday dates back hundreds of years and serves as a celebration where family and friends come together to pray and remember those who have died. Some build private alters called ofrendas, bring mementos, special food, and photos to the cemetery, and so much more as a means to encourage visits from the souls of those who have passed on. Skulls, calaveras, serve as popular symbols of the holiday. Those celebrating wear skull masks, makeup, and eat foods such as sugar skulls throughout the festivities.

The holiday continues to influence creative endeavors and has even extended into our work. Last year we worked on a project for AirBnb that tapped into the world of Coco—the famed Pixar film that tells the story of a young boy’s adventure into a world of the past during Día de Muertos.

From the Día de Muertos parade that colored the streets of Mexico City to the private moments of remembrance from family to family, it’s a holiday that exists at the core of our culture. Check out some photos captured from the town of Mixquic below!