Man and young boy light candles in the pantheon in Tzintzuntzan, Mexico during Michoacan's Noche de Animas festival. During the day, families decorate the graves, creating elaborate displays in hopes of welcoming the spirits of the dearly departed. By nightfall, when the candles are lit, the pantheon glows in anticipation, and families arrive to hold graveside vigils throughout the night.
In recent years, what was once a strictly indigenous cultural celebration has taken on almost a carnival atmosphere, as thousands of visitors arrive in air-conditioned tour buses to flood the streets and the cemetery. As an outsider and first-time visitor, I felt like an interloper, but to be honest, the families seemed not to mind.