November 1, 2009 Mexicans celebrate Day of the Dead Play video

(NECN/APTN: San Gregorio Atlapulco) - Mexicans gathered in cemeteries in the early hours of Sunday morning to begin the celebrations of the Day of the Dead.

The festivals, which take place each year on November 1 and 2, bring millions out to graveyards to build altars and offerings at the gravesites of relatives.

In San Gregorio Atlapulco, 30 miles south of Mexico City, the cemetery became a sea of flickering candles, with lilies, chrysanthemums and cempasuchil (marigolds), also known as the flower of the dead, spread out like carpets over the tombs.

Families begin arriving on the night of October 31st to start cleaning off graves and placing brilliant yellow marigold flowers -- though to guide the dead back to loved ones -- and other decorations.

Many come armed with blankets, chairs, snacks and build fires to stay warm as they spend the night in the cemetery. The first day of the two-day celebration honors deceased children.

Sarai Rufin, 21, who came to the cemetery with her aunts, said this was her favorite part of the celebration. She helped to decorate the grave of an infant sister who would have turned 15 this year.

The Day of the Dead celebration is based on a pre-hispanic belief that the dead return one day a year to visit their relatives.

Material courtesy of APTN.