World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Day of the Dead celebrations bring families together across Mexico
Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations take place around Nov.
1 and 2, when many believe deceased loved ones return briefly to reunite with their families.
The tradition has roots in pre-Hispanic beliefs and also includes Catholic customs adopted after the Spanish conquest.
Families build altars with photographs, food and drinks, while marigolds are believed to guide the dead home.
On Nov.
1, families gather in cemeteries across Mexico, and Mexico City hosts large parades.
Some locals question the capital’s parade, which was created for the 2015 James Bond film Spectre and later became part of the celebrations.
Tourism has brought tensions in some regions, including the island of Janitzio in Michoacan.
Janitzio closed its cemetery to tourists after large crowds were linked to damage to tombs, crosses and part of the cemetery wall; only local families and friends of those buried there may enter.
Mexico’s annual Day of the Dead celebrations bring families together to remember deceased loved ones.
The festivities lead up to Nov. 1 and 2, when people believe the souls of the dead temporarily return to earth.
Families decorate home altars with photos, food, treats and mezcal, and gather at cemeteries on the night of Nov. 1.
Mexico City holds parades, while marigolds and traditional bread of the dead are prominent features of the celebrations.
On Janitzio island, authorities closed the cemetery to tourists this year after the community council reported damage linked to large crowds.
- Who
- Families in Mexico remember deceased loved ones.
- What
- They celebrate the Day of the Dead with altars, cemetery gatherings and other traditions.
- When
- The festivities lead up to Nov. 1 and 2. Families gather at cemeteries on the night of Nov. 1.
- Where
- Across Mexico, including Mexico City and Janitzio island in Michoacan.
- Why
- People believe the souls of deceased loved ones temporarily return to earth to reunite with their families.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Catholic traditions were incorporated into the celebration after the Spanish conquest.
Janitzio’s Day of the Dead celebrations were recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Performers marched in the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City.
Authorities on Janitzio closed the cemetery to tourists after the community council reported damage linked to large crowds.
The celebrations lead up to the days when souls are believed to return temporarily to earth.
- Celebration
- Day of the Dead
- Main dates
- Nov. 1 and 2
- Mexico City parade
- The annual procession includes performers in costume and floats decorated with catrinas.
- Janitzio cemetery
- Closed to tourists for the first time this year.
- UNESCO recognition
- Janitzio celebrations recognized in 2008.