Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead: 25-10-2007
Mexicans honour their deceased loved ones during the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) festival, which is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd, in a carnival that is far from maudlin as the name might otherwise suggest.
It is thought that the spirits of children return from their higher plane on October 31st to be with their families and adult ghosts come the day after.
Mexicans visit the cemeteries where their dead are buried to decorate the graves and have a feast, laying petals on their way home to guide the spirits into the house.
They construct colourful altars - called ofrendas - in their homes, which they cover with food and things dear to the person who died, in order to entice the spirits.
Some of the most common things placed on the altars are skulls made of candy, pan de muertos - a festive loaf - and marigolds, which are in season.
When the spirits are believed to have taken the essence of the offerings, the families then share the food with those dear to them who are still living.
Although Day of the Dead is celebrated all over Mexico, the more colourful spectacles are to be found in the south, in Michoacan, Oaxaca and Chiapas, and there customs vary between villages.
In Mixquic, street stalls are set up for the celebrations and a candlelit vigil takes place in the cemetery following a procession. On the island of Janitzio the natives perform folk dances and chant.
Visiting Oaxaca on Day of the Dead will bring the opportunity to visit the vibrant marketplace and night-time carnival processions, while tourists in Merida can taste a special seasoned chicken tamale wrap made with banana leaves, which is prepared for the occasion.