The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back 2500-3000 years to indigenous cultures who held rituals celebrating deceased ancestors. People believe the souls of the departed visit during the Day of the Dead and go to cemeteries to be with them, building altars with their favorite foods, photos and items. In the US, celebrations with Mexican residents incorporate traditional Day of the Dead customs mixed with harvest festivals. Families also construct home altars honoring dead relatives with crosses, Virgin Mary icons, candles and ofrendas.