Day of the Dead is a southern Mexican celebration that evolved from the assimilation of native culture (Maya and meso-American) into the Catholic calendar (all Saints/all Souls days). It wasn't celebrated much in Mexico City and northern Mexico until recently, pushed on in part by the government celebrating more indigenous culture and creating a national holiday, and then the movie.
Day of the Dead is a southern Mexican celebration that evolved from the assimilation of native culture (Maya and meso-American) into the Catholic calendar (all Saints/all Souls days). It wasn't celebrated much in Mexico City and northern Mexico until recently, pushed on in part by the government celebrating more indigenous culture and creating a national holiday, and then the movie.