100 Homicides Occur in Mexico on a Single Day of the 'Day of the Dead'

A Total of 98 Murder Cases Occurred... "A Violent Day"
Authorities Pledge "To Strengthen Security" but Efforts Fall Short

It has been reported that over 100 homicides occurred during Mexico's largest traditional holiday, the 'Day of the Dead' (D?a de los Muertos).

According to reports from Mexican daily newspapers Reforma and El Universal on the 3rd (local time), a total of 98 homicide cases were handled by Mexican investigative agencies on the day before, which was the Day of the Dead holiday.

Reforma stated, "The day with 98 homicides was as violent as August 28th, when there were 100 cases."

By region, the State of Mexico had the highest number with 14 cases. This was followed by Guanajuato (10 cases), Nuevo Le?n (9 cases), Chihuahua (8 cases), and Baja California and Guerrero (7 cases each).

In the State of Mexico, efforts to strengthen security were focused on cemeteries, markets, and large supermarkets within 125 municipalities to reduce such crimes, but there are criticisms that these measures were insufficient for crime prevention.

On the 2nd, the 'Day of the Dead' (local time), the San Andres Mixquic Park Cemetery in Mexico City decorated with flowers [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Earlier, Delfina G?mez, governor of the State of Mexico, declared on her social media (SNS) the day before, "Homicides decreased by 20% compared to September," and promised, "We will strengthen surveillance of cemeteries so that loved ones can come to pay their respects peacefully."

In particular, inside a park cemetery in Naucalpan, State of Mexico, four assailants on motorcycles opened fire on visitors paying respects, resulting in two deaths and one injury. Local media reported that the victims were a businessman involved in the armored vehicle industry and his bodyguard, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Also known as the 'Day of the Dead,' D?a de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated by indigenous Mexican communities to remember and pray for deceased relatives and friends. It is held annually from October 31 to November 2, with the last day generally observed as a holiday or a shortened workday by companies.

During the Day of the Dead, families and public places prepare altars decorated with colorful paper and flowers for the deceased or visit cemeteries. On the path from the cemetery to home, flower petals, candles, and offerings are placed to allow the spirits to return to the living world, and favorite foods of the deceased are placed on the altars.

In Korea, the Day of the Dead became widely known through Pixar's 2017 animated film 'Coco.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.