Festival of the Dead

Festival of the Dead or Feast of Ancestors[1] is held by many cultures throughout the world in honor or recognition of deceased members of the community, generally occurring after the harvest in August, September, October, or November.

In many cultures a single event, Festival of the Dead, lasting up to 3 days, was held at the end of October and beginning of November; examples include the Peruvians, the Pacific Islanders, the people of the Tonga Islands, the ancient Persians, ancient Romans, and the northern nations of Europe.

During this holiday people would leave small boats in rivers as a way to remember Osiris' death and honour their deceased loved ones during their journey to the afterlife of Aaru.

[3] In Europe, historians have thought the three- day festival of the dead is a ritualistic remembrance of the deluge in which Halloween the first night is depicting the wickedness of the world before the flood.

A combination of Pre-Columbian and Catholic celebrations, El Dia de Los Muertos involves visiting cemeteries, candelight vigils, and offerings to deceased family members.