The Day of the Dead: The Aztec holiday explained in graphics

Here's the story of Día de los Muertos, the Aztec holiday that originated in southern Mexico, and tips to celebrate it safely with family and friends.

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is often confused as the Mexican Halloween because of its use of skeletons and when the holiday is celebrated: Nov. 1 to Nov. 2. It's actually an Aztec holiday that originated in southern Mexico and celebrates the remembrance of family members and friends who have died.

The celebrations will likely be more muted this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but many of the activities associated with the holiday can be celebrated with minimal risk of coronavirus infection.

According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these activities include playing music at home that the deceased enjoyed and making an Ofrenda (altar) to memorialize those who have passed. The CDC considers other traditions, though, high-risk, such as attending crowded indoor celebrations with singing or large gatherings such as parades. Here’s a brief look at the symbolism associated with the holiday: