That's the Hispanic influence, both because AZ is close to Mexico and because you have so many immigrants there. The Day of the Dead is a very big holiday in much of the world, a day to honor ancestors and friends who have passed. If you check out the Wikipedia article on All Saints' Day you'll see several names for it.I need to check that out. I've always known it as All Hallows' Eve and then Day of the Dead on Nov. 1st. At least, most people in AZ celebrate it that way.
Margret