The Day of the Dead Festival has begun in Mexico: thousands of people took to the streets for the Catrina parade.

Celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico

Celebrations for the Day of the Dead have started in Mexico. Hundreds of people flooded the streets, dressed as Catrinas — a cult symbol of this holiday. The annual Catrina parade, which takes place on the eve of the Day of the Dead, gathered thousands of people in bright costumes and with masquerade makeup. In 2025, the holiday will be celebrated on November 2nd.The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday when families honor the memory of their deceased loved ones, believing that at this time, spirits return to the world of the living. Celebrations take place not only in Mexico but also in other Spanish-speaking countries and among the significant Mexican diaspora. Typically, the holiday occurs at the end of October and the beginning of November and is associated with the Catholic All Saints' Day, which is also celebrated during these days.

Families create ofrendas – home altars to honor their deceased family members. These altars are decorated with marigold flowers, photographs of the dead, as well as the favorite dishes and drinks of those being honored.

The holiday is celebrated in three stages: first, the spirits of children are remembered, then adults, and finally all deceased. People gather for mass parades in cities and visit cemeteries together with their families.Parades, costumes, and traditional ofrendas with flowers and dishes create a unique atmosphere and vividness of this holiday. They express respect for the memory of the past, love for relatives, and faith in the connection with the lost souls, who, according to Mexican beliefs, return to celebrate together with them.The Day of the Dead is not only a commemoration but also an opportunity to enjoy cultural traditions that unite families and communities. This colorful and emotional holiday gives unique meaning to how Mexicans perceive death and memory, transforming sadness into the joy of shared celebration.