Final answer:
The Day of the Dead is celebrated by cultures in the Andean highlands of Argentina and by those with roots in the ancient Mexica religion, including Mestizo/Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. It combines Catholic rituals with Indigenous beliefs and is marked by meals, candles, flowers, and other symbols representing the presence of departed souls.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Day of the Dead is a multi-day holiday celebrated by various cultures, primarily those associated with the Andean highlands of Argentina, where it incorporates elements of Catholic and Indigenous traditions, and by cultures influenced by the ancient Mexica religion and Santa Muerte worship, including Mestizo/Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. In Argentina, this Catholic event - also known as Día de los Muertos - honors the recently departed and includes elements of Indigenous religious practices related to Pachamama (Mother Earth). This exemplifies syncretism, where more than one religious system is integrated. The ancient Mexica religion, with its Santa Muerte worship, is also influential, particularly amongst Mestizo/Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, as well as other groups such as those practicing the Guarani religion and San La Muerte worship in Paraguay and northern Argentina.
The celebration is a time when families prepare meals for the departed souls, light candles, and adorn their homes with flowers, inviting their loved ones' souls to join them in remembering and honoring their life. It is believed the souls of the departed remain attached to their families for three years and need help transitioning to the spirit world. Throughout the event, various symbols, such as moths in the southern Andes, serve as visual representations of the souls' presence.
In the context of broader cultural traditions, even as some ethnic groups maintain symbolic gestures of their origins through holidays like Saint Patrick's Day for Irish Americans or Diwali for Hindu Americans, Mexican-Americans may note their heritage by celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Yet, the other aspects of their originating culture may not be as prominently observed throughout the rest of the year.