Residents in the rural parish of Calderon, north of Quito, marked the Day of the Dead on Saturday with a “procession of candles”, a tradition that symbolizes a bridge between the world of the living and the dead, with the light of candles guiding souls back to their homes.

Dozens of people walked through the streets in the area carrying candles representing their deceased loved ones until they reached the central cemetery of Calderon, where they paid tribute to them.

This candle ritual also acts as a beacon that guides souls through the darkness so that they can find their way back home and to the offerings that have been prepared for them.

The flame of the candles symbolizes the connection between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Lighting candles is a way to honor and remember the deceased with love, hope, and faith.

In some communities, each candle placed on the offering represents a specific deceased person, so that the number of candles corresponds to the number of souls to be honored.

AP Video by Cesar Olmos