35 Hauntingly Beautiful Photos To Capture Day Of The Dead Worldwide

The Day of the Dead is more than just sugar skull make-up and colorful getups; it's a day of remembrance.

The Mexican holiday, celebrated on the first and second day of November, is a time when families commemorate the loved ones they've lost with beautiful altars and lively visits to their graves -- but it's also when many reflect on the fragility of life. That means the holiday is a time to embrace both life and death, recognizing the shortness of the former and the inevitably of the latter in a colorful and festive celebration.

While el Día de Muertos has its origins in Mexico, the holiday is celebrated by many around the world. To capture the haunting beauty of celebrating the dead, we compiled 35 photos of Day of the Dead celebrations around the world. Take a look below:

Michoacan, Mexico

ENRIQUE CASTRO via Getty Images

Families decorate a relative's grave with flowers at a cemetery in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan State, Mexico.

ENRIQUE CASTRO via Getty Images

ENRIQUE CASTRO via Getty Images

ENRIQUE CASTRO via Getty Images

Brazil

Mario Tama via Getty Images

A reveler places a candle during a Day of the Dead party on November 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilians often mark the traditional Mexican holiday by visiting loved ones' graves and sometimes leaving offerings of food or drink.

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A reveler poses during a Day of the Dead party on November 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Revelers look on while posing during a Day of the Dead party on November 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mario Tama via Getty Images

Revelers play music during a Day of the Dead party on November 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Revelers embrace while posing during a Day of the Dead party on November 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

California, U.S.

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A guest with a painted on sugar skull attends the 2015 HARD Day of the Dead Festival at Fairplex on November 1, 2015 in Pomona, California.

Oklahoma, U.S.

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Stacy Waters and Rhoman wait to join the processional parade during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Officials were trying to break a world record for people dressed as 'La Calavera Catrinas' and 'Catrins'. The world record for the most in one place is 509 by Mexico City.

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Adrina Trejo and Moses Duran pose for photos at an ofrenda during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Teresa Phillips stops traffic during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Victoria and Alessandra Reyes orginally of Zacateas, Mexico celebrate during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Martin Vera, dressed in a traditional Aztec head dress, joins in the processional parade during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Bruce Britt and Kieth Porter tour during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Keith Porter shows off his costume during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Ben and Kayle Kissler wait for the processional parade during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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A giant skelaton puppet leads the processional parade during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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James Rodriguez poses for photos during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Taryn Johnson poses for photos during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Tracy Stevens posed for photos during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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A young boy rides on his father's shoulders during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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A couple dressed for the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration dances in the street on November 1, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Mexico City, Mexico

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An altar of the Dead set at the Olympic University stadium dedicated to Mexican Independence leader Jose Maria Morelos on October 31, 2015, in Mexico city. This year the altars were built by different schools.

MARIA CALLS via Getty Images

An altar of the Dead set at the Olimpic University stadium dedicated to Mexican Inpendence leader Jose Maria Morelos on October 31, 2015, in Mexico City.

Morelia, Mexico