October 28 - November 2, Mexico observes the Days of the Dead. How each loved one died determines which day family members place a marigold petal cross outside the door. Every day represents different kinds of death, with November 2 being the most important day, for all the souls of the faithful departed.
Bright fields of marigolds (called cempasuchil) fill the landscape, and families sell huge bundles of the flowers to those preparing altars and petal paths to welcome the spirits of their departed loved ones.
The local market closes off the street in front for the week prior to the Days of the Dead in order to provide space for vendors of incense, altar gifts, flowers, candles, fruits, and all the other trappings of the season.
Saturday is the regular market day, but some vendors do not set up their spaces, since they choose instead to participate in the rituals and traditions of the six days. Others, however, have a brisk business in every altar-related product. On the Saturday closest to November 2, fruit is more expensive, because people buy it to put on the altars in their homes. Bakers sell huge baskets of pan de Muertos which is both placed on the altars and consumed by the living.
In the main square of the nation´s cities, decorations and activities are set up which combine ancient tradition with the local flavor. In the case of Huejotzingo, the city government joined the yearly carnival to the Days of the Dead to produce huge skeletons dressed in carnival costume. They also built an altar on the raised platform in the city square.
Families flock to cemeteries to clean and adorn the graves of their loved ones. Many pass at least one night in vigil at the tomb. On November 2, the street outside the cemetery is blocked to traffic, so long lines of foot traffic can enter. Most businesses and all public schools remain closed on November 2.
Most of the children and teens who are part of our church did not attend on November 1, because they went to cemeteries. They also were not at school on November 2 for the same reason.
