Letter From Brazil - Celebrating Departed Loved Ones

After the traditional Celtic inspired Halloween on October 31st, comes the Catholic inspired All Saints Day on November 1st. The following day November 2nd serves a wide swath in Latin America known as the Day of the Dead. In Brazil, it’s called as Dia de Finados.

Despite its morbid moniker, this day serves as a National Holiday in Brazil celebrating departed loved ones. The majority of the workforce takes the day off and people from all over the country take a moment to pay homage to their deceased family member with unique rituals.

Marigolds serve as the dominant flower gift for grave goers and candles will pepper gravesites. People gather to reminisce about the good times and events shared with those who have passed away. Sometimes people prepare the favorite meals of the deceased and build a temporary offering altar. It’s not uncommon to include a cigarette or the former’s favorite libation at the altar. That would be a Kool Filter King and a Scotch for me.

Many people here will make a pilgrimage to the gravesite for cleaning, decorating or out of respect.

Throughout the month of November those who pave passed on are remember, discussed and enjoyed for the lives that they have shared here with their loved ones.

Similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe and in the Philippines, and similarly-oriented celebrations occur in many African and Asian cultures.