In early November, the graveyards of Mexico are blooming with yellow and orange marigolds, houses smell of spices and baking bread, and extravagant alters are in every home.

Día de los Murtes, or Day of the Dead, is a two day Mexican holiday honoring family members who have passed away. Families celebrate by making an alter for the deceased, with pictures, favorite foods and beverages, and calacas (skeletons).

Nov. 1 is considered Día de los Angeles, or Day of the little Angels. Families celebrate the deaths of their children, grandchildren, siblings, or nieces and nephews that never made it into adulthood.

Nov. 2 is Día de los Muertes, and the festivities are bumped up, with cheerful streets and homes. Although it seems like a dreary day, families are festive and happy, exchanging memories.

“It’s a positive spin on funerals; they are depressing. This holiday gives us a positive way to remember the dead,” said Keerthi Nalluri 10.

For the holiday, some classes are creating alters like the ones made in Mexico. Students are creating alters for real family members, and some are making theirs in remembrance for famous people.

“I’m doing my grandma because she was very important to me,” said Jacob Locke, 9.

Other classes are celebrating with a fiesta, including sweets and pan de los muertos, or “dead bread.”

This is a sweet bread crowned with dough molded into the shape of bones. Sometimes, it contains an orange glaze. Sugar skulls are another holiday favorite.

“The bread is really sweet, so I like it a lot. It has a unique flavor,” said Locke.

Day of the Dead festivities are not here yet, but the spirit is already alive.