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Cancun, Riviera Maya celebrate Day of the Dead

Cancun, Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Thousands around the region have begun the two-day celebration of Dia de Muertos or Day of the Dead with parades, music and visits to grave sites.

Municipality heads who vow to preserve the tradition organized city events for la celebración del Día de Muertos which include community activities and city parades. Mara Lezama, the Municipal President of Benito Juárez (Cancun) headed the Day of the Dead celebrations which included the traditional Festival of Souls, a parade, folk dances, performances and a Catrina contest.

In cemeteries, various musicians remain on site for the commemoration of the dead. Story tellers are also there to recall la Muerte y otros cantares (Death and other songs). Security has been increased inside city Panteóns Municipal, while vendors remain set up outside entrance gates selling traditional flowers, candles and other alter offerings.

La celebración del Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition honoring the deceased. It takes place each year on November 1 and November 2. November 1st is el Dia de los Innnocentes (the Day of the Children) which is referred to as All Saints Day. November 2nd is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead, reserved to remember deceased adults.

Festivals are underway across the entire region with Panteóns Municipal (municipal cemeteries) accommodating thousands of people who will continue to arrive with flowers, food and gifts that will be left on the alters of loved ones.