The festival Day of the Dead traces its origin to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years, and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called 'Mictecacihuatl'. In those times, the Aztec people celebrated children and the dead. Chiefly celebrated in Mexico, this festival is observed in different forms at other Latin America countries also. Nations like Brazil, Spain, Philippines and many Asian and African cultures also organize themed celebrations of Day of the Dead festival. People take the opportunity to reminisce and tell stories and get their families together. The festival is a two day affair with the first day for remembering departed children and the second for adults. Special foods are prepared for the family feasts, often in the shapes of skulls or skeletons and some families build shrines covered in flowers with offerings of the decease's favorite alcohol, sweets and cigarettes. Major attractions of this festival include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.