Families bring orange marigolds and gifts of fruits, skull-shaped candies, liquor and wines to gravesites. One of the most common offerings is a sweet yeast bread called Pan de Muertos. Often the loaves are oval or round and topped with bone shapes.

Since Pan de Muertos is an enriched bread--made with butter, sugar, and eggs--it will take longer to rise than lean doughs. See Baking Yeast Breads for more tips.