As Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead, parades and processions have taken place in Mexico City and other towns, featuring representations of the character of La Catrina, frightful skeletons, and other icons of death and the underworld.
The holiday begins when people honor departed family members as they celebrate death as part of life. Mexico City’s parade has grown bigger each year as the holiday becomes a part of Halloween festivities outside of Mexico.
The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration and remembrance of friends and family who have died and embarked on their spiritual journey through the afterlife.
The two-day festival stems from the continuation of ancient Aztec rituals meant to honor those who had died. During the festival, people are encouraged to gather and pray to help those who departed on their spiritual paths.