Final answer:
Día de los Muertos is a celebration observed on November 1st and 2nd to honor the deceased with a mix of Catholic and Indigenous customs, involving family gatherings, meals, prayers, and decorations like La Calavera Catrina.
Step-by-step explanation:
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration that takes place on November 1st and 2nd each year, predominantly in the Andean highlands of Argentina, and other parts of Latin America, including Mexico. This tradition merges Catholic beliefs with Indigenous customs, a concept known as syncretism. The observance honors the dearly departed and is rooted in the belief that souls remain with their families for three years after death. During Día de los Muertos, families prepare a favorite meal of the deceased, set a place at the table for the soul (alma), and decorate with candles and flowers. It is a time for prayer and remembrance, as they coax the spirits to transition peacefully to the spirit world. Common themes include the celebration of life, family, and the cyclical nature of existence. Symbols pertaining to death, such as La Calavera Catrina, are widespread, and in the southern Andes, moths are seen as visual signs of a soul's presence.