How are Covid-19 fears changing Day of the Dead traditions in Spain?

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Covid-19 Fears Reshape Spanish Day of the Dead Traditions

In Spain, concerns over the escalating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic are leading families to alter their traditional Day of the Dead observances. Instead of large gatherings, individuals and smaller groups are spacing out their visits to cemeteries over several days, with authorities recommending limited time spent at graveyards to mitigate potential spread. This shift in behaviour has also significantly impacted traditional flower sales associated with the holiday.
Spacing Out Cemetery Visits

Traditionally a time for families to honour deceased relatives collectively, the Day of the Dead in Spain is seeing a dispersal of visits this year. Authorities have issued guidance advising against large groups and limiting each visit to a maximum of 30 minutes. This has prompted families, such as the one observed at Madrid's Almudena cemetery, to coordinate separate visits on different days, with some members attending much later than others.
Reduced Flower Sales

The altered customs have directly affected businesses reliant on the holiday, particularly florists. Yolanda Gomez, a florist operating near the Almudena cemetery, reported a substantial 50 per cent decrease in flower sales this year. This decline indicates a broader trend of people staying away from traditional purchasing patterns and potentially from cemeteries themselves, impacting the usual commerce surrounding the commemoration.
National Health Measures Influence Practices

The changes in Day of the Dead traditions are occurring within the context of broader national efforts to control the virus. Spain has implemented a six-month state of emergency, which includes measures such as night curfews, designed to curb soaring coronavirus infection rates. These overarching public health directives create an environment where traditional social gatherings, including those at cemeteries, are discouraged or modified.

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How are Covid-19 fears changing Day of the Dead traditions in Spain?

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