Day of the Dead is a big Mexican festival held all over the country. The ancient indigenous people of Mexico believed that the souls of the dead returned each year to visit their living relatives - to eat, drink and be merry with their loved ones.
Flowers, particularly the zempasuchil, or marigold, and candles, are placed on the graves where family members can come and 'commune' with the dead. Its not a morbid occasion, but rather a festive time involving the whole community, and increasingly, thousands of Mexican and foreign tourists too.
One of the best places in Mexico to see this festival is near Patzcuaro, in ones of the villages or islands on the lake near town. It has a large indigenous population that still holds on to their ancient beliefs.
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| market in Patzcuaro |
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| boats going over to Janitzio island |
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| lost in the mist |
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