Family at the grave on All Saints' Day; November 1-2, 1945.
The period from noon of October 31 to noon of November 2 is one of the most interesting of the entire ceremonial year. November 1 is the día de todos santos, All Saints' Day, dedicated to the angelitos, the little angels, the children who have died during the year. November 2 is the día de las ánimas, All Souls' Day, also called día de los fieles defuntos, and dia de los muertos, dedicated to the souls of the adult dead. Offerings of food are made on both days, in slightly different manners, and preparations begin the preceding afternoon (1948).
About 4 o'clock in the morning, [during the night of November 1-2] family groups begin to wend their way to the cemetery, carrying arcos [decorated tables] and other offerings of food, to take up their vigil by the graves of departed relatives. Again yellow marigold flowers are scattered over all graves, and candles are lighted. Toward dawn perhaps 40 tombs are thus arranged, and the twinkling of several hundred candles in the dark suggests will-of-the-wisps run riot. The night is cold, and the mourners crouch, wrapped in serapes, occasionally saying a few words, but for the most part guarding silence. After daylight other persons come, to talk with friends keeping vigil, to eat a little, and to see what is happening. By 11 o'clock most people have gone home and the graveyard is again deserted (1948).
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