Mexico’s Day of the Dead Celebrations get underway

World
Europe

From October 31 to November 2, across the country, Mexicans will go to the graves of their deceased relatives, taking with them offerings of the things they enjoyed in life, and relive happy times spent together.

The tradition dates back to prehispanic times, to ancient beliefs that the souls of the deceased return to accompany their families.

Decoration on the street. /CGTN Photo

In Tultepec, a town to the north of capital Mexico City, one special tradition sees a lantern-lit procession make its way through the streets of the town. The procession is in remembrance of the town's ‘Little Angels', children who died before adulthood, that the celebrants believe return to accompany them as they light their route through the winding streets, guiding the little ones with them.

It's a tradition that Fausto Urban, whose great-grandmother founded the event, leads today.

“It's a joyful event, mixed with sadness,” he told CGTN. “We feel that the children are with us as we go, so we are happy.

Decoration on the street. /CGTN Photo

“We also know that their souls were pure when they passed away, so it is a happy event, because we know they visit us from a better place.”

For Bertha Sanchez, who lost her son two years ago in an explosion at his work, the procession holds a new and painful significance.

Altar on the street. /CGTN Photo‍

“We will go and hold a candle up for my boy,” she told CGTN. “There are no words that can console the pain of losing a child, but I feel that he is with us, and we will guide his way in these days.”

The Day of the Dead celebrations see graves decorated, and Catrinas (female skeletal figures, dressed in colonial clothing) proliferate throughout the country, a symbol of the public's tradition. It is also a reminder of the inevitability that they too will one day join the departed, and themselves rejoin their families on these days.