Day of the dead.

The 2nd. of November is a very special date for the Mexicans: it's a celebration dedicated to the Dead.  

This day and night Mexicans remember all the members of the family who had died.  Families go to the cemetery and bring flowers, candles, food and even music to remember their beloved ones. It is a very impressive spectacle at night, with thousands of candles everywhere. This celebration sounds quite spooky but it is quite cheerful and colourful indeed.

This time of the year the markets fill up with the smell of flowers, copal (aburning resin), pumpkin sweets, and candles. The bakers shops start selling the delicious "pan de muerto".   The funny shapes on top of the bread are supposed to be bones!

It is believed that in this special day the souls of the dead come back and visit their relatives. For this reason a shrine ("altar" in Spanish) is mounted in many houses.  The shrine is an old tradition from the time of the aztecs and other ancient cultures that has mixed with elements from the religion that the Spanish brought to Mexico with the "conquistadores".

An "altar" has to contain different elements to attract the souls.  Mexican marigolds (they are quite smelly), a photo or photographs, food and drinks, personal or favourite items of the dead, a mirror, candles, salt, water, seeds or fruit and the traditional sugar skulls decorated with flowers.

Dia de Muertos is a strange way to come into terms with death.

We made this "altar" at the school with recyclables.

Mums and dads had a go too.

Mickey, mum and I mounted this shrine at home to honour and remember my Grandpa.   We'll miss you Grandpa!