I first heard of this years ago and was instantly intrigued. My imagination kicked in straight away with images from the Bond movie 'Live and Let Die'. There in a jungle clearing a voodoo image appears as if raised from the dead. It spooked me then and has remained in my memory.

On finding out a little more, the word spooky is obsolete. The word to use is celebration.

Dia del Muertos, Day of the Dead, lasts for around five days and though originating in Latin American countries is now being celebrated around the world. It is a special time for both a personal and public remembrance of dead relatives and friends. It is not a mournful commemoration, rather a celebration; lively music and dance, flowers grown specially, colourful costumes, lovingly prepared foods, decorated altars and localised candlelit rituals with poetry and prayers…and the odd skull!

It seems a much more spiritually comforting and positive approach, than the ghoulish Halloween celebrations we are all used to at this time of year.  The cemeteries are scattered with small groups of picnickers, eating the food their loved ones would have enjoyed, listening to music that bands play at the entrance. Candles are lit in memory and extra ones for forgotten souls too. In the streets huge crowds gather to rejoice, to dance, to share and to keep alive memories of departed relatives and friends.

The belief that there is no death, only a changing of worlds has been around, especially with indigenous populations for centuries. They often believed that the dead continued to live in a special place until they could return home to visit their relatives. The belief in some form of afterlife has long been held in all religions; variations on a theme almost.

In the celebrations of Day of the Dead, whatever beliefs of transcendence or resurrection are held, they come together to bring life to the memory of loved ones.

This year, I too will celebrate. In my thoughts and actions, I shall consciously bring to life happy memories of my dead. I shall invite them to rejoice with me that they touched my life and continue to do so. I'm sure there's not one of them who would turn down an opportunity to dance with me by candlelight.