A celebration of loved ones who have passed away is being recognized by the Alberta government for the first time this year. The inaugural Day of the Dead celebration will take place 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Legislature rotunda.
The origins of Day of the Dead festivities date back thousands of years to the Aztecs, who believed that the deceased preferred to be celebrated rather than mourned.
“Day of the Dead provides an opportunity for us to remember and honour our loved ones who’ve passed,” the Honourable Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, said.
“I am so pleased that Alberta’s Latin community has chosen to share this important and vibrant cultural experience with the Legislative Assembly.”
Day of the Dead celebrations historically run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, coinciding with the Catholic holidays All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day. The holiday is regularly observed throughout Mexico, Italy, Spain, South America, the Philippines and much of the United States.
READ MORE: ‘Day of the Dead,’ a Latin American holiday honouring departed, expands in US
Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, sometimes also called Día de los Muertos, traditionally consist of quiet family gatherings at the graves of their departed loved ones bringing them music, drink and conversation.
The dead were seen as the “dear departed,” people who remained close even after death. The celebration has transformed in recent years, influenced by Hollywood movies, zombie shows, Halloween and politics.
Last weekend Mexico’s capital held its first Day of the Dead parade, complete with floats, giant skeleton marionettes and more than 1,000 actors, dancers and acrobats in costumes.
The idea of the parade came from last year’s James Bond movie Spectre. In the film – the opening scenes were shot in Mexico City – Bond chases a villain through crowds of revelers in what resembled a parade of people in skeleton outfits and floats.
READ MORE: Mexico’s Day of the Dead getting makeover thanks to James Bond
The program at the Alberta Legislature will include a musical performance and highlight some Day of the Dead rituals. Several government officials will be on hand.
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