With the Day of the Dead celebrations underway in Mexico, they will undoubtedly look different this year. The Day of the Dead is an important celebration that originated with the Aztecs and usually lasts several days in which families honor their deceased loved ones with offerings and other traditions. However, this year, the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic has made celebrating increasingly difficult and even more emotional. Over 140,000 deaths have been confirmed or listed as “probable” due to the coronavirus, with 1,700 of them being Mexican health workers. Mexico has lost more medical professionals than any other country due to the coronavirus, and the Day of the Dead celebrations this year seek to honor those lives taken too soon. As marigolds and paper cutouts decorate the altars dedicated to family members, the signature skeleton used during the celebrations are being dressed up as doctors and other medical professionals and are shown doing consultations or surgeries. With cemeteries closed, families are unable to visit their loved ones but can continue the celebrations from home. And as Mexico approaches 1 million confirmed coronavirus infections, the overcrowded hospitals and medical centers will continue to be staffed by medical workers and other officials as they try to control the spread and await a vaccine. While honoring them all is not feasible, this year’s Day of the Dead celebrations seek to remember those who were selfless and put themselves in harm's way in order to provide for the health and safety of their communities.
Trevor Mohrmann
Link: https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-mexico-health-day-of-the-dead-mexico-city-18abbb0c4a75c3809cbaa5d62110bbef
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