What do you think when you see “the Day(s) of the Dead?” Our most anticipated activity in the year, Day of the Dead embedded in our orientation series definitely needs more of our attention.

Contrary to how many might perceive, Day of the Dead is not a “Mexican Halloween.” It is a Mexican festival that reunites the living and dead through sharing a meal with the dead as one would when they were alive. Mexicans used to believe that the dead who now live in the World of the Dead would come back on the Day of the Dead, which was modernized to then three days of holiday, to visit their family on land. October 31 is Halloween or All Hallows eve. November 1 is “el Dia de los innnocentes” or the day of the children and All Saints Day.  November second is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead.

In the belief that the dead would hear their prayers, smell their foods and even join in the celebrations, Mexicans would party in graveyard after some decoration of the graves. However, this is not eerie to them at all. Unlike Halloween or Ching Ming Festival, Day of the Dead is viewed as a day of celebration because their loved ones awaken and celebrate this joyful festival with them. Wouldn’t it be nice too if you could see the deceased you loved again every year?

Credit: @thelistshowtv