Dogs were believed to guide ancestral spirits to their final resting place in the afterlife. In pre-Columbian times, the Day of the Dead was celebrated in August but now takes place on November 1 and 2 to coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Contrary to what some might see as a morbid portrayal of (in this case) Mastiffs, the Day of the Dead is a joyous holiday during which time mourning is not allowed because tears make a spirit’s path treacherous and slippery.

Image: Day of the Dead Mastiffs by SpiritofAine

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