The Day of the Dead marks the fine line between the beliefs and superstitions, and life and death. It is a public holiday and the celebrations takes place from 31 October until 2 November.
Families embellish shrines at home by decorating the sepia photos of their departed relatives by adorning them with marigold flowers, incense, brightly coloured decorations and food. They also visit cemeteries to be with the souls of the dead. November 1 is dedicated to the souls of the children and infants, and is called as ‘Día de los Inocentes’ whereas november 2 is celebrated as ‘Día de los Muertos’ the day of the dead.
The picture of the skull, or calavera, is an integral part of the holiday. People paint their faces as skulls and skulls prepared from sugar and clay are also used as decorations. The figure of Catrina, a female skeleton dressed in pretty clothes has become a cultural symbol for the festival.
Sometimes celebrations take a comical tone with poems and stories recited in memory of the departed. People also leave blankets and pillows for the deceased to rest.
Parallel celebrations are observed throughout the world to remember the deceased, one such example is the Halloween festival in the U.S.
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