Day of the Dead in photos

Every year starting on October 31 through November 2, Mexico celebrates El Dia de los Muertos – The Day of the Dead. Based on ancient traditions, the Maya people believed that the spirits of the dead are permitted to come back and visit with their relatives during these three days.

Graves at the cemetery are decorated as families visit to honor their deceased relatives. The family will usually bring bowls of the deceased member’s favorite foods and party into the wee hours of the evening. Marigolds are used to decorate the graves, incense is burned and candles are lit for the deceased.

In the Yucatan peninsula, “altars” are created by those who cannot visit their relative’s gravesites. Typically a photo of the deceased is place there along with items favorited by the deceased. For an adult, it might be his favorite whiskey or a deck of cards, while for a child, typically toys would be placed on the altar. Flowers, candles, fruits and foods complete the decoration. All this is left out for the departed to enjoy during the night. The following day, the family will consume the food, believing they have once again “shared” a meal with the deceased.

In Xcaret Park, on the Riviera Maya, the Festival of Life and Death Traditions has now been observed for the last nine years. Gravesites have been faithfully reproduced by local artisans, and are decorated during the festival, just as families would do in the actual cemeteries. Dozens of activities also occur throughout the park, enabling families to share these past traditions with children of today. All the activities are free and everyone is invited to join the festivities.

While people outside Mexico might be put off by the skeletons, skulls, and painted faces; Mexicans laugh at death, not fearing it at all. It is all part of the cycle of life, death being necessary before a person can come back to life once again.