The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is anything but a dour affair. Celebrated Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 throughout Mexico, in Yucatán it’s called Hanal Pixán, a Mayan saying that means “food of the souls.” Historically held at the beginning of summer, Day of the Dead was moved to coincide with the Christian festivals following the Spanish colonization of Mexico in the 16th Century. On Oct. 31, All Hallows Eve, children make a children’s altar to invite the angelitos to visit. Nov. 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits are invoked and invited. Nov. 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives. Several streets are closed Saturday for The Paseo de las Ánimas, a newer tradition which has caught fire. Performances by the Ballet Folklorico de Merida, accompanied by the Orchestra Jaranera. This celebration has its roots in the 18th century, when cattle ranching was the main source of wealth on the Yucatan Peninsula. Ranchers held huge fiestas to show off their wealth during branding time. The dances were adapted by the wives of the cowboys and soon developed into the signature dances of Yucatan.