Support WBURDay Of The Dead, Decoded: A Joyful Celebration Of Life And FoodKaren Castillo FarfánNovember 01, 2012 ShareSkeletons: Skeleton imagery pervades this holiday. In pre-Columbian times, the Day of the Dead was celebrated in August. It now takes place on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. (NPR)