DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 11

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

It is common for families to display photographs of the dead during Dia de los Muertos.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 10

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The cemetery, founded in 1829, also is known as Panteon General.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 9

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The weather in late October is perfect in Oaxaca – warm and dry.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 8

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Graves have been cleaned and are intricately decorated and covered with bouquets of flowers, candles and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 7

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Entire families and friends spend the nights out of their homes and next to the grave of their loved ones, conducting a vigil to connect with the dead by singing, eating and drinking.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 6

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

In the days leading up to Dia de Los Muertos, graves and crypts are decorated with marigold flowers, petals, candles, foods and drinks.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 5

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The atmosphere becomes more magical later at night, as families sit by the graves, some playing guitar, some singing.

It is a night of remembrance and celebration that their loved ones will return home for the night.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 4

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The graveyard stays open late, so loved ones can sit by the grave for most of the night.

Panteon San Miguel welcomes visitors who do not have a family member buried within its walls.

But it is important to be respectful – all of these photos were shot with a telephoto lens a long distance away from the families.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 3

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Families eat with the spirits of their dead loved ones and leave plenty of food and drink behind for them.

This picture shows a potful of pollo en mole negro

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 2

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Some families bring instruments to play the favorite music of their departed loved ones.

Others hire roving five-piece bands to provide the live music.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- 1

PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Panteon San Miguel is about a 20-minute walk from the Zocalo in central Oaxaca City.

Visit it Oct. 31-Nov. 2 to see Dia de Muertos festivities in action.