The Day of the Dead, a Gift from Mexico to the World Mexico's celebration of the Day of the Dead has lately become increasingly known worldwide. However, this tradition dates from pre-Hispanic times and, to us, Mexicans, is nothing new. We have lived with the -now very trendy- catrinas ever since we were kids. The same with the altars for the deceased, pan de muerto (bread specially made for this day) and calaveritas (skull-shaped sugar candy).