Calgary honors the dead at Jack Singer Hall

While many Calgarians are celebrating Halloween, Mexicans around the world are celebrating Day of the Dead.

Celebrations took place Sunday at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary.

“The Day of the Dead is a very beautiful tradition,” said Miguel Cortines, “and we want to honor those who are no longer with us.

“We want to share this Mexican tradition with all Canadians,” he added. “We celebrate with different elements like the altar. On the altar you put a picture of your loved one, you put the food they love and today we celebrate with the altar, hot chocolate, bread of the dead, tamales – we have different workshops and performances.

Miguel Cortines at a Day of the Dead event in Calgary

“Day of the Dead is important,” Cortines said, “because when you remember people who have died, they're still with you.”

About 1,000 people were expected at Jack Singer Hall on Sunday afternoon.