After the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century, many Catholic traditions were blended with the indigenous Day of the Dead celebrations. This resulted in a unique hybrid holiday that combines elements of both cultures. Today, Day of the Dead is a widely celebrated holiday in Mexico. It is also celebrated by Mexican-Americans in other parts of the world. The holiday is marked by a variety of activities, including visiting cemeteries, building altars for the dead, and preparing special foods.