The Day of the Dead

The people dress up as ghouls, ghosts, mummies, and skeletons and parade through the town carrying an empty coffin. The 'corpse' within smiles as it is carried through the narrow streets of town. The local vendors toss oranges inside as the procession makes its way past their markets. Lucky 'corpses' can also catch flowers, fruits, and candies.
In the homes, families arrange altars with flowers, bread, fruit and candy. Pictures of the deceased's family members are added. In the late afternoon, special all night burning candles are lit, it is time to remember the departed.
November 2nd, families travel to the cemeteries. They arrive with hoes, picks, and shovels. They also carry flowers, candies, blankets, and picnic baskets. They have come to clean the graves (tumbas) of their loved ones. The graves are weeded and the dirt raked smooth. The Crypts are scrubbed and swept. Colorful flowers, bread, fruit, and candles are placed on the graves. The families spend the entire night in the cemeteries.
…