All Saints Day and All Souls Day

In America, we celebrate Halloween each year on October 31st. The night is full of costumes, trick or treating and partying. However, here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that holiday isn't celebrated. On November 1st they celebrate All Saints Day followed by All Souls Day on November 2. It's similar to Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico. They go to the grave sites for loved ones, light candles and leave flowers.

According to BBC, All Saints Day is an opportunity for believers to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout Christian history. All Souls Day is for commemorating the departed and praying for the souls in purgatory.


               

Last Friday, I went to the cemetery with the people in my community. I was taken aback by the sight of it all. Candles lit next to flowers and wreaths made the grave sites look bright and alive. I spotted one of my students and walked with him and his dad to both of the cemeteries to light the candles for their grandfather and uncle. Everyone was happy and reminiscing about their loved ones. I'm happy that I was able to walk around and see the joy on the faces of the people in my community.