English: Picture of the November 2nd "
Day of the Dead", or in Spanish "Dia de los Muertos", procession and altars in the
Mission District, San Francisco, California. It is annually celebrated in San Franciso since 1988.
Many participants come in costumes, where dark or black and white colors are prevalent, with faces painted to emulate skulls, or with skull masks. The procession goes through several streets in the Mission District, ending at the Gardfield park where altars are set up.
The organizers (http://www.dayofthedeadsf.org/) explain the tradition in the following way:
"Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Meso-American holiday dedicated to the ancestors; it honors both death and the cycle of life. In Mexico, neighbors gather in local cemeteries to share food, music, and fun with their extended community, both living and departed. The celebration acknowledges that we still have a relationship with our ancestors and loved ones that have passed away.
In San Francisco, Day of the Dead has been celebrated in the Mission district since the early 70s with art, music, performances and a walking procession, which help us contemplate our existence and mortality -- a moment to remember deceased friends and family, and our connections beyond our immediate concerns."
For the 2013 procession, the organizers described the event as follows:
"Over 15,000 people will gather in the Mission to participate in the 26th Annual Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead Procession & Altars. Through art, music, and ritual this event honors our ancestors and celebrates the vitality and richness of today's community. While the ceremony remains true to its Latino roots, the San Francisco procession actively encourages participation by people of all origins.
Bring candles, photos, food, or something that reminds you of a person that has passed away. The altars are community art installations that are intended to change as each person adds something to the hearth"