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While many cultures remember their departed loved ones with solemn ceremonies, in Mexico, remembrance takes on a different expression one filled with vibrant colours, flowers, music, food and family traditions.

Known as the Day of the Dead, this centuries-old celebration honours those who have passed on, while keeping their memories alive.

The Mexican Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Víctor Hugo Morales Meléndez, shares the meaning behind the tradition.

Sharla Kistow has more.

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Transcript
00:00Bright colors, beautiful flowers, all forming part of Mexico's Day of the Dead celebration.
00:06But behind the elaborate displays is a deeply meaningful tradition, one centered on remembering
00:12loved ones and celebrating the lives they lived.
00:15Unlike the frightening imaginary, often associated with Halloween, Mexico's Day of the Dead is
00:21rooted in love, family and the belief that the memory of those who have passed should
00:25never be forgotten.
00:26Today, we celebrate our loved ones, those who have passed away, but whom we continue
00:34to remember and upon remembering, we feel closer to them.
00:40It is a way of keeping them alive and preserving their memory.
00:45This is the essence of Mexico's Day of the Dead, to nourish family ties and strengthen
00:53the sense of community.
00:55Our world is not a costume to scare, it's a tradition of love.
01:01The Mexican ambassador says the tradition dates back to ceremonies practiced by ancient civilizations
01:08in Mexico, where the deceased were honored.
01:11He says over time, these indigenous practices blended with Christian customs, introduced from
01:17Europe, created a unique cultural celebration.
01:19As a symbol of family unity and community spirit, the central element of this tradition is the altar, the offering,
01:30dedicated to those we love, admire and remember.
01:34Here, you can observe our altar display.
01:38Here, you can observe our altar display.
01:39It includes the foods all loved ones enjoy and the drinks they like.
01:45The Mexican mango flowers, known as Cempasuchi, guided souls on their journey to be reunited with their family and friends.
01:58This year's tradition carried a special tribute to Trinidad and Tobago's Calypso icon, Slinger Francisco, better known as the mighty
02:06Sparrow, who passed away on September 27 at the age of 91.
02:11The ambassador says the embassy wished to honor Sparrow's contribution to the musical history of TNT, recognizing the lasting impact
02:20of his work on the nation's cultural heritage.
02:22Through this colorful tradition, Mexico shares a powerful message that although loved ones may be gone, their stories, contributions and
02:30memories continue to live on.
02:32And on the day of the dead, remembrance becomes a celebration of the bond between family, community and those who
02:40will never be forgotten.
02:41Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.