Day of the dead, or Día de los Muertos in Spanish, is a Mexican holiday that lasts a total of three days -- from October 31 to November 2.
It's all about hanging out with friends and family, enjoying good food and colorful decorations, and remembering those that have passed. It's celebrated with sugar skulls and a specialty sweet bread called pan de muerto (bread of the dead).
We recently visited La Migaja Mexican Bakery, which is located inside Calle Ocho's Mi Rinconcito Mexicano. Not only is it one of the best Mexican restaurants in this city, it also has great sweets for Día de los Muertos.
When you enter the restaurant, head to the left. The aroma of sweet treats will intoxicate you. In honor of the holiday, beautifully-designed sugar skulls will welcome you by the counter.
Jaime Reynoso, the baker behind the pan dulces, is originally from Mexico. He takes great pride in sharing this tradition with his customers.
He's a pan de muerto-making machine. He carefully measures out his dough and then turns it into the bread of the dead in both small ($3) and large rolls.
The bread's round shape represents the circle of life. The pieces on top represent the bones of those who have passed.
There are other shapes, too. Those signify teardrops and the sorrow we feel for those who have died.
And its scent? It comes from an azhar (orange blossom) essence.
We've tried pan de muerto with anise seeds before, but this particular flavoring was sweeter and lighter. The bread is airy, light, and sprinkled with sugar. It's a celebratory delicacy.
If you are looking for something sweet after the holiday, check out their sprinkles!
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