For Mexicans, the day of October 31st marks the beginning of celebrations for Day of the Dead. It honors the memory of loved ones who have died while also celebrating the continuation of life. The ancient tradition started among the native cultures of Mexico. People celebrate Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd. Families visit the burial places of their loved ones and make their graves beautiful. They place flowers and lighted candles. They bring special food and drinks and spend the night celebrating and telling stories with other members of their community. Traditional food includes a sweetened bread formed in the shape of a person. Friends and family exchange presents such as sugar candies in the form of a skeleton head. Families have special places in their homes called altars. Here they place flowers, candles and photographs of the loved one being remembered.