TEHRAN -- The Mexican Embassy in Tehran plans to introduce Iranians to the Day of the Dead tradition at the Cultural Department of the embassy on November 6.

The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos, Dia de los Difuntos or Dia de Muertos in Spanish) is an ancient Aztec celebration of the memory of deceased ancestors that is celebrated on November 1 (All Saints' Day) and November 2 (All Souls' Day).

In most localities November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored November 2.

The holiday is especially popular in Mexico where it is a national holiday, and is celebrated in the Philippines, in Mexican-American communities in the United States, and to a lesser extent, in other Latin American countries.

It is a public holiday in Brazil, where many Brazilians celebrate it by visiting cemeteries and churches, bringing flowers, lighting candles and praying.

At home members of the family might use the purchases to elaborate an altar in honor of deceased relatives, decorating it with papel picado (paper cutouts), candles, flowers, photographs of the departed, candy skulls inscribed with the name of the deceased, and a selection of his or her favorite foods and beverages.

In setting up the altar, a designated area of the home is cleared of its normal furnishings. The arrangement often consists of a table and several overturned wooden crates placed in tiers and covered with clean linens. The offerings are then laid out in an artistic and fairly symmetrical fashion. The smell of burning copal (incense) and the light of numerous candles are intended to help the departed find their way.

The Mexican Embassy introduced the ceremony during an exhibition entitled “The Day of the Dead and the Altar” at the Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art last year in November and December.