The Aztecs believed that life and death coexist, and that death is merely a gateway to an ascension of consciousness, a rebirth into higher being. In Mexico, this belief is manifested in Dia de los Muertos , or Day of the Dead. The holiday is celebrated in graveyards, where graves are decorated with marigolds, candles, crosses and powerful Aztec symbols such as skulls.

In preparation of Day of the Dead here in San Francisco, we invited burlesque performer extraordinaire Bunny Pistol to give a tutorial on doing makeup inspired by Calaveras (sugar skulls). 

So light some candles, put out some marigolds, pour a shot of tequila in honor of those who are gone, but not forgotten, and get ready to celebrate the living by honoring the dead.