<P> Plans for the day are made throughout the year, including gathering the goods to be offered to the dead . During the three - day period families usually clean and decorate graves; most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with ofrendas (altars), which often include orange Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta) called cempasúchil (originally named cempoaxochitl, Nāhuatl for "twenty flowers"). In modern Mexico the marigold is sometimes called Flor de Muerto (Flower of Dead). These flowers are thought to attract souls of the dead to the offerings . </P> <P> Toys are brought for dead children (los angelitos, or "the little angels"), and bottles of tequila, mezcal or pulque or jars of atole for adults . Families will also offer trinkets or the deceased's favorite candies on the grave . Some families have ofrendas in homes, usually with foods such as candied pumpkin, pan de muerto ("bread of dead"), and sugar skulls; and beverages such as atole . The ofrendas are left out in the homes as a welcoming gesture for the deceased . Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrendas food, so though the celebrators eat the food after the festivities, they believe it lacks nutritional value . Pillows and blankets are left out so the deceased can rest after their long journey . In some parts of Mexico, such as the towns of Mixquic, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives . In many places, people have picnics at the grave site, as well . </P> <P> Some families build altars or small shrines in their homes; these sometimes feature a Christian cross, statues or pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictures of deceased relatives and other people, scores of candles, and an ofrenda . Traditionally, families spend some time around the altar, praying and telling anecdotes about the deceased . In some locations, celebrants wear shells on their clothing, so when they dance, the noise will wake up the dead; some will also dress up as the deceased . </P> <P> Public schools at all levels build altars with ofrendas, usually omitting the religious symbols . Government offices usually have at least a small altar, as this holiday is seen as important to the Mexican heritage . </P>

Who celebrates the day of the dead and why