The Mexican Days of the Dead are held on November 1st and 2nd; a two-day celebration of death. In this ritual observance which is rooted in a bizarre blend of pre-Colombian and Roman Catholic practices, Mexican families make merry with the souls of their dearly departed. Because this celebration occurs immediately after Halloween, the Day of the Dead is sometimes thought to be a similar holiday, although the two actually have little in common. The living mingle with the dead at midnight picnics in cemeteries, they leave once-favorite foods as offerings such as sugar skulls and marigolds at homemade altars, and welcome back the dead for a day on earth feasting on tamales, spicy molès, and the most special treat of the celebration, Pan de Muerto , or “Bread of the Dead.” This bread dough is rolled out into strips shaped to resemble bones: Dough Recipe: 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup water 5 to 5-1/2 cups flour 2 packages dry yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon whole ani...