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Day
of the Dead, a holiday that marries Catholic rituals and
pre-Hispanic beliefs, is celebrated throughout Latin America on
the first two days of November.
The holiday's reach is wide, extending to Catholic communities
as far away as the Philippines, and it takes a different form in
each geography.
In Mexico, families pack cemeteries to adorn graves with
marigolds and candles, also erecting altars in their homes to
welcome the dead. Women and men alike smear their faces with
white paint and ring their eyes in black, channeling the iconic
"Catrinas," or elegant skulls.
One of the most spirited celebrations in the region takes place
in the Guatemalan municipality of Santiago, where Mayan
tradition looms large. Locals believe the colorful kites help
guide the souls of their loved ones to heaven.
Olga Marina Tun Yocute, crowned the queen of this year's
festival, takes pride in participating in a tradition that dates
back to the late 1800s.
"The grandfathers and the grandmothers communicate through the
kites," she said, flanked by two other young women honored at
the festival, all donning embroidered clothing and elaborate
headdresses.
While families can be found flying smaller kites throughout the
day, the festival revolves around an array of gigantic circular
kites, adorned with colorful local designs and topped by flags
that flutter in the breeze.
As the afternoon wore on, the crowd cheered and dozens of young
men scrambled to take their places and prepare to send the kites
heavenward.
"It's a stupendous thing," said Monica Paiz, a French tourist.
(Reporting by Milton Castillo; Writing by Julia Love; Editing by
Daniel Wallis)
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