“Growing up in Brazil, a predominantly Catholic country, this day was always very meaningful to me. Families gather to visit cemeteries or places of personal significance, sharing memories and paying tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us. It’s a moment of connection, reflection, and community. Since moving to Australia, I’ve found myself missing this tradition.

What I especially admire about the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos is its vibrant and deeply spiritual approach to honoring the dead. Families build altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and the favorite foods of those that they are remembering. It’s not a sombre occasion, but a joyful reunion based on the belief that, on this day, the boundary between the living and the dead becomes thinner, allowing us to reconnect through ritual, music, and storytelling.

If you’re curious to learn more, I highly recommend the animated film “Coco” (Disney+). It beautifully captures the essence of this tradition – and fair warning: it’s hard not to shed a tear by the end!”