Last night and tonight, spirits of the dead have risen from their graves for their annual visit.  Since graveyard visits are a widespread tradition on the Day of the Dead, here are some of the activities that are commonly performed.

1. Family picnics in graveyards are a large
    part of the celebration, especially on November 2^nd. Often families will pack food and games that the deceased enjoyed in life, and will share stories about family members that have passed on.  This is a great way to pass along family history, as well as to remember passed loved ones.  Often these picnics become candle-lit vigils that last the entire night.
2. Place offerings at the grave site, such as
   a favorite candy, a new toy, or flowers. These are meant to entice the dead to return.  Other things that work well are family mementos, such as photographs and other sentimental items.  However, what may be even more effective in calling your relatives home is appealing to their vices, such as your uncle’s horrible taste in Hawaiian shirts or great-grandmother’s favorite bathtub gin.
3. Graveyard maintenance is also performed during this holiday, especially on the second day. Simple things like weeding and planting new flowers (depending on the cemetery’s rules) are wonderful ideas.  If the cemetery only allows fabric flowers, this is the time to retire ragged old arrangements and replace them with fresh ones.

Happy Day of the Dead!