Thousands gathered in central Brussels over the weekend to celebrate the Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos – not to be confused with Halloween.
The pre-Columbian festival, originating in Mexico, sees adults and children remember loved ones – and pets – who have passed away by creating altars using images and mementos including their favourite foods.
Both parade participants and spectators dress up as skeletons (known as catrinas) with bright costumes, makeup and lights, the idea being that their loved ones, attracted by the festivities, will cross over briefly from the land of the dead to commune. It is not a festival of mourning but rather a celebration.
The Brussels Day of the Dead procession has taken place since 2018 and has grown in renown to the point where the Place du Jeu de Balle square in the Brussels Marolles district is filled with revellers on the night preceding November 2.
The celebration, popularised by the 2017 animated film Coco, ends with the appearance of Death, as pictured below.
All photos by Justin Stares.
