MEXICO AWAITING FOR THE SOULS OF THE DEAD

An anthropological and travel documentary reveals the secrets of the Saints’ Day in Mexico. Our guide is a Polish anthropologist has been conducting research in San Cristobal de la Casa and Veracruz. It is a new film taken by Malgorzata Szyszka and Artur Socha in the form of travel and anthropological document. The private experience of the authors acquired during travel in combination with the knowledge of Polish anthropologist Witold Jacórzyński shows different world and customs. Owning to Witek and his friends we could know the religious rituals associated with the November 1, which were practiced by both group Mestizos and Indians from Chiapas and Veracruz. Film tells about construction of the altar, preparing special foods, the symbolism of opening the doors of the churches, ringing bells, dancing and singing. Accordance to the beliefs the death is a stage of transition from one life to another and a promise to return to earth. Men return as women, women as men. The Indians stand at least nine different underworld to which the souls of the dead go.