Torontonians celebrate 'Day of the Dead' Special

At the Harborfront Center on Saturday, hundreds of Mexican-Canadians in the Toronto community celebrated Day of the Dead, which is a day where families remember the dead and celebrate their lives. Participants share stories of loved ones who have passed, while enjoying drinks and food. One employee told Digital Journal that this event is celebrated around the world and many people celebrate by going to churches, cemeteries or hold special celebratory events “like the one today.” Day of the Dead can be traced back to thousands of years ago to the time of the Aztecs where they worshipped the goddess Mictecacihuatl. Visitors were first introduced to Mexican cuisine where they handed out tacos, burritos, conchitas, tamales carnitas and other foods that are part of their culture with decorative skulls, napkins and other utensils.

Andrew Moran On November 7 and 8, Mexicans across the globe celebrate what is known as 'Day of the Dead', which celebrates the lives of the deceased. image:59143:2::0

Andrew Moran On November 7 and 8, Mexicans across the globe celebrate what is known as 'Day of the Dead', which celebrates the lives of the deceased. image:59144:2::0

Andrew Moran On November 7 and 8, Mexicans across the globe celebrate what is known as 'Day of the Dead', which celebrates the lives of the deceased. image:59141:1::0

The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company and the Mexican Canadian Association presented symbolic offerings and toys at the center, which primarily showed small human figures with a plain skull attached to it. Even some of the coordinators and employees dressed up similar to the small figures by wearing skull faces and worn out clothing.

Andrew Moran On November 7 and 8, Mexicans across the globe celebrate what is known as 'Day of the Dead', which celebrates the lives of the deceased. image:59142:3::0

Andrew Moran On November 7 and 8, Mexicans across the globe celebrate what is known as 'Day of the Dead', which celebrates the lives of the deceased. image:59146:3::0

Andrew Moran On November 7 and 8, Mexicans across the globe celebrate what is known as 'Day of the Dead', which celebrates the lives of the deceased. image:59147:1::0

The two organizations are presenting the Mexican culture to Canadians over a span of two days. On Sunday, the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company will present a dance show that is inspired from various religions through music, dances and a variety of different costumes. Saturday and Sunday both conclude with a documentary of the history of Day of the Dead, which talks to dancers, historians and others across the globe to discuss the origins and significance.