Day of the Dead Google doodle marks Mexico’s holiday honoring life & death

Google is following its Halloween Magic Cat Academy doodle by marking Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead holiday honoring, as Google puts it, “… the mysteries of life and death.”

The two-day holiday, which starts the first of November, began in Mexico as a way to celebrate deceased loved ones. The day is now celebrated around the world.

“Every year from November 1–2, both Mexicans and people around the world honor their loved ones with offerings or ofrendas displayed on colorful altars decorated with pictures, bright flowers, candles, and their favorite foods and beverages,” says Google on the Google Doodle Blog.

Google’s Day of the Dead image replicates the tissue-paper cutouts often used as decorations for the day. As Google explains, “… the delicate paper banners indicate that life is fragile and fleeting, but it’s also full of beauty and delight.”

The doodle leads to a search for “Day of the Dead” and includes the usual sharing icon. Google is displaying the doodle on its US, Mexico and Cuba home pages, as well as its home pages in most South American countries, Portugal and Belarus.

In addition to the Doodle, Google included a “Discover the Day of the Dead” link on the home page that points to a page about the holiday on Google’s Arts and Culture site.