Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday of remembrance of those no longer with us. It is a popular holiday in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Central America. The people of the Dominican Republic use this holiday to celebrate life in honor of their deceased relatives and friends. Family members and friends make altars, some containing flowers, water, food, fire and tobacco (see image at left as an example of an in-home altar to remember and celebrate the deceased friends and family).  Many altars display items that were important to the deceased and prepare elaborate feists, after visiting the grave sites, as a way of almost joining the living world and the world of the spirits for the day. Symbols and re-creations of skulls are often seen as part of the Dia de Los Muertos ritual. This is not a sad or somber holiday, but rather one that is happy and colorful. The holiday is celebrated with family and community gatherings, music, and feasting, and the festivity of its observance acknowledges death as an integral part or life. Festivals and parades are held as observers present flowers, light bonfires, eat, drink and smoke cigars as a gesture of honor and respect.