Ambassador Leon: “It’s Not About Fear or Ghosts, but About Love and Family”
The Day of the Dead, one of Mexico’s most important traditions and now celebrated worldwide with colorful festivities, was also celebrated in Ankara with the support of the Embassy of Mexico. Mexican Ambassador Francisco Javier Diaz De Leon said the day, declared by UNESCO in 2008 as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” is a contribution to all humankind. Emphasizing that the festival is different from Halloween or All Saints’ Day, Leon noted, “This tradition is not about fear, monsters or ghosts; it is about family, love and remembrance.”
M. FERHAT YÜKSEL
The Day of the Dead, organized in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy, was celebrated at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara. Guests attended the evening wearing traditional Day of the Dead makeup and costumes. The event featured a DJ performance and a live concert by the popular music group Pandami. Guests enjoyed the evening, dancing to Pandami’s vibrant tunes.
TRUE DEATH HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE FORGOTTEN
Mexican Ambassador Francisco Javier Diaz De Leon stated that true death occurs only when one is forgotten and noted that the festival, held to remember the souls of the deceased, is a tradition dating back thousands of years. “According to many researchers, this celebration was practiced by Mexico’s indigenous peoples long before Europeans set foot on its shores. Various cultures, such as the Mexica, the Aztecs, and communities from today’s Michoacán region, have long honored their dead and commemorated the lives of family members who have passed away,” he explained.
EXTENDING BACK TO THE PRE-HISPANIC ERA
Leon said the celebration dates back to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic era, the period before the arrival of Europeans. “When Europeans, especially the Spanish, came to the country, a process known as syncretism began. This means that the ancient indigenous celebration merged with Catholic elements brought from Europe. What we now know as the Day of the Dead emerged from the union of these two traditions. In 2008, it was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” he said.
NOW A HERITAGE OF THE WORLD
“This is not just a Mexican celebration,” Leon emphasized. “It has been recognized by UNESCO as a part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage. It is a unique tradition that contributes to the world’s collective culture. In recent years, thanks to films and American cultural productions, the Day of the Dead has gained remarkable global recognition and has become known and celebrated even in distant countries like Türkiye.”
SPIRITS ARE BELIEVED TO RETURN FOR ONE NIGHT
Leon said that as part of the tradition, people visit the graves of their deceased relatives. “It is believed that on the night before the Day of the Dead, the souls of deceased family members return for one night. Families spend that night spiritually reunited with them. Therefore, especially in regions where indigenous populations still live and traditions remain strong, many families go to cemeteries on the night of November 1 and stay there until the morning of November 2. However, this is not something frightening. It is not about ghosts or monsters. It symbolizes spending time again with the people we love but who are no longer among us,” he explained.
FAVORITE THINGS ARE LEFT IN THE GRAVE
Leon said people bring the favorite things of their loved ones to their graves. “When visiting cemeteries or preparing home altars, families place the deceased’s favorite dishes, flowers, and fruits. When their spirit returns that night, they feel at home again. That’s how the celebration is shared,” he said.
THE GUIDING MARIGOLD FLOWER
Leon explained that the marigold has become the symbol of the celebration. “With its bright yellow color, this beautiful flower is the emblem of the Day of the Dead in Mexico. According to legend, indigenous people used it as a light source to guide souls back to their loved ones. That is why the Day of the Dead is both emotional and respectful toward those who came before us. Its global appeal likely comes from this: unlike European traditions such as All Saints’ Day or Halloween, this one is not about fear or monsters—it is about family, love, and remembrance. It is not a sad celebration; it is a joyful one. And we Mexicans are truly proud of it,” he said.
