On Friday night we attended the Paseo de Ánimas. Or the walk of the souls.
There were 500 people walking and about ten times that watching. There are strict rules for what the walkers could wear which is why it was a photographer’s dream.
At the beginning of the walk there was a purple light shining on the walkers. I think they were told to look solemn. A few times I snapped a picture, nodded my thanks and the person would break into a smile.
I love this little boy in the background of the above photo.
Before the parade there were girls and women in costume sitting or standing to welcome the souls.
After they passed by, we walked around and saw some of the altars set up to honor loved ones.
There were a lot of people, but everyone was respectful, sober and mellow. Merida does a great job at keeping everything family friendly. As the people in the parade walked by there was a group of people walking with them holding a rope sort of like a crowd control corral. It was to keep spectators or photographers from joining or getting in the way. At the end people could join and there was at least another 500 people not all dressed up or in Halloween costumes walking with the parade.
It was a big crowd and a bit hard to get there by Uber, but I’m glad we got to see it.
I love your Paseo de Ánimas descriptions.
Wow. I love the pictures! That must have been cool. Much better than passing out Smarties to a bunch of U.S. kids. 🙂
Wow, how cool to be able to experience that!
This is an award winning blog post!! The parade was beautiful and you captured the spirit and culture of the event. I felt like I was there. Great reporting of a wonderful event.
Beautiful photos, Sheryl💙
What an AMAZING experience! Great photos & narration. I second the “award winning” post. Hugs!