Costa Rica, among most other Latin American countries, celebrates the deceased on November 2nd every year. This day has several names, including Día de Todos Santos (All Saints Day), Día de Todos Almas (All Souls Day) and the more common Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Although this holiday is celebrated more in other Latin American countries, Costa Ricans remember the deceased by visiting the cemeteries where their loved ones rest and decorating their grave sites with flowers and candles.

It is common for Catholic masses to be held on November 2nd, as well as large groups of people making pilgrimages to cemeteries in honor of both their loved ones and their beloved Saints. The Cemetario Central in San Jose is a very common cemetery for people to hold vigils and dress up grave sites with elaborate decorations.

If you would like to learn more about this day, here are some additional links for Day of the Dead, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.