In the town of Zihuatanejo, Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Halloween have collided. It is one of the most important times of the year for celebrating family and loved ones who have passed on, but it has taken on a new angle as cross-border traditions have mixed together. Time-honoured traditions include cleaning and visiting the gravesites, candlelight vigils and sharing meals, usually the favourite dishes of the person who passed. Pan de Muerto is divided, and music plays a large part in the celebrations throughout the candlelit evening.

In addition to holding onto traditional celebrations, they have expanded and, at times, appear more commercial than I have witnessed over the past 30 years, living at least part-time in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. What used to be more about honouring the dead while visiting the graves of loved ones has now included three and four day celebrations, which, although originated in tradition, have become elaborate events. Don’t get me wrong, the gravesite gatherings are certainly prevalent and mostly away from foreign visitors’ eyes, but Dia de Muertos has become more full-blown over the years and the lines between Halloween and the traditional Mexican ceremonies of remembrance have become blurred.