Puerto Morelos, Mexico, November 2, 2011

Bea:  Goddess Guide

Our trip to Xcaret on Monday was postponed until yesterday.   Enroute Bea provided the history of this joyful celebration during which families gather at the graves of their ancestors, believing that they return on the "Day of the Dead" (celebrations are ongoing from October 29 - November 4).

Bea stands in front of one of many "graves" in the cemetery at Xcaret.  Marigolds are an essential element as are candles and the favorite foods of the deceased.  Bea reminded us that this is truly a time to celebrate and remember and honor the lives of the ancestors and not a time of saddness and grief.  These pictures begin to tell the story.

Jean, a skeleton figure and Connie
enveloped in smoke from incense

The 2011 lighted candles rest upon years and years of accumulated candle wax from previous celebration of the Day of the Dead

A young mother and her son
lighting candles in honor of their ancestors.

Joyful young people with their faces painted
An option for everyone in attendance!

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