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Preparation for the celebration of the Dias De Los Muertos begins in mid - October. The gravesites are cleaned, painted, and adorned. Cempasuchil (marigolds), nube (baby's breath) and tersiopelo (cockscomb) are often placed on the graves in an artistic manner. Petals from the marigolds are scattered on the grave with the belief that this will help the souls of the deceased (anima) find their way back.
A candlelight procession to the cemetery is held in the pueblo (town) on the eve of the celebration. Offerings are brought to the graves and include the favorite foods, drink, toys, and personal belongings of the departed relatives. Family members spend the night celebrating at the cemetery, sharing in the memory of their dearly deceased. The celebration is not a mournful one, but rather a time to share with family members and visit with the souls of the departed. In the words of the great poet and writer Octavio Paz, "Fiesta (Celebration) allows us to throw down our burdens of time and reason." In the fiesta of Muertos (the Dead), time no longer bars one spirit from another by reason of death.
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