Cemeteries transform into shrines to remember loved ones on Dia de Muertos

SAN ANTONIO – Cemeteries can be sad and somber places, but throughout Mexico, they are instead places of comfort and culture.

The cemetery, or panteon as it’s known in Spanish, is an important place for families to celebrate and remember their lost loved ones.

Each gravesite is filled with momentos, personal items or decorations that are an expression of that person’s life.

In this Day of the Dead story, we explain how these tributes at each tombstone provide a celebratory spirit to one’s final resting place.

Find more Day of the Dead stories on KSAT.com:

• The colorful history of Alebrijes and connection to Day of the Dead
• Ways to celebrate Day of the Dead virtually in San Antonio this year
• Altars honor San Antonio Latino service members who died in military service
• Story behind the man who brought the Calavera to life in San Antonio
• Symbolism behind Calavera in Day of the Dead traditions
• How two traditions merged to create Day of the Dead
• Ancient origins of Day of the Dead
• Meaning behind marigold flowers on Day of the Dead
• Story behind Mexican artist who inspired ‘La Calavera Catrina’
• Visit KSAT.com’s Day of the Dead section to learn more about holiday