Flowers swing back and forth before the famous Calaveras Sugar Skulls in this colorful Mexican courtyard leading up to the Day of the Dead celebrations

calaveras dia de los muertos sugar skulls mexican traditions skull makeup day of the dead altars catrina skeletons festive decorations traditional art mesoamerican culture papel picado marigolds ofrendas skeleton figurines mexican folklore celebratory rituals skull motifs face painting cemetery visit calavera masks candlelit shrines calacas folk music religious significance family remembrance vibrant colors artisan craftsmanship cultural heritage symbolic meaning multigenerational tradition sugar art folklore characters elaborate costumes spiritual beliefs papiermache art cultural celebration skull face painting skeleton puppets cultural identity