Pictures and Videos from the Day of the Dead Parade and Fest in Austin, Texas 10/27/18

Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration, is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed.

It is believed that the spirit of the dead visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2.

The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died and to help support their spiritual journey.

Dia de los Muertos is much different than Halloween. Día de los Muertos embraces the dead returning home as something spiritual and natural. For some, Día de los Muertos has helped with healing and closure after losing a loved one.

In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place ofrendas (offerings) of food such as pan de muertos baked in shapes of skulls and figures, candles, incense, yellow marigolds and most importantly a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar.

It might sound somewhat morbid, but the Mexicans react to death with mourning along with happiness and joy. They look at death with the same fear as any other culture, but there is a difference. They reflect their fear by mocking and living alongside death.

Living alongside death means that Mexicans have learned to accept it within their lives. Death is apparent in everyday life. It is in art and even in children’s toys.

Children carrying yellow marigolds enjoy the processions to the cemetery. At the cemetery, music is played and dances are made to honor the spirits.

November 1st is traditionally referred to as Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) in Mexico and is the day to honor infants and children who have died. November 2nd is the actual Dia de los Muertos when families honor adults whom they have lost. It is believed that on these days, the souls of the deceased return to earth to be with their families and loved ones.

Death is a celebration in Mexico. Death is among them.

Please enjoy this celebration of our departed souls. Our love for each other will live on forever… with every beat of my proud corazon!

Cover of Proud Corazon (from the movie Coco) by Cat Rox :

More info on 2018 Dia de los Muertos ” Viva la Vida ” Parade & Festival Austin Texas 1080p HD