This celebration in the coastal city involves a vibrant fusion of pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic influences. It is a period of remembrance and honoring of deceased loved ones, typically observed on November 1st and 2nd. The commemoration includes elaborate altars, colorful decorations, traditional foods, and public events.
The significance of this observance lies in its ability to strengthen communal bonds, preserve cultural heritage, and provide a framework for grieving and remembrance. Its historical roots reach back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, who held beliefs about the cyclical nature of life and death and the importance of maintaining connections with ancestors. The modern iteration blends these beliefs with Catholic All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.