Stories behind Day of the Dead
CBSN
Like clockwork each autumn, Mexico City's floating gardens and bustling markets explode in a fiery display of orange. The cempasúchil flower (known in the U.S. as the marigold) is seemingly everywhere, its pungent smell said to guide departed souls back for what's become Mexico's largest public celebration: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
"I believe the Day of the Dead is the most beautiful tradition of Mexico," said Elena Reygadas, one of Mexico's most renowned chefs. This time of year she's busy making pan de muerto, or "bread of the dead." A traditional sweet bread, pan de muerto is often left on the elaborate offrendas (or altars) built to honor deceased loved ones.
It's said that no one is really dead as long as they aren't forgotten.
