Final answer:
Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead to honor their ancestors and loved ones who have died, through traditions that combine indigenous beliefs and Catholic practice, ensuring the souls' peaceful transition to the afterlife. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead primarily to honor their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. This tradition is rooted in ancient indigenous cultures of Mexico, which believed the souls of the dead remained attached to the world of the living and required guidance to ensure their peaceful transition to the afterlife.
Día de los Muertos occurs on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic observances of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, exemplifying a syncretism of Catholic and indigenous beliefs. Families create altars, offer food, light candles, and provide offerings to welcome the souls back to the earthly realm for a brief visit.
It is a time for families to gather and share memories and stories of those who have died, reinforcing the enduring bonds between the living and the dead. The belief is that by celebrating the lives of ancestors and the recently departed, they help the deceased on their journey to the spirit world. In various parts of Latin America, local customs add to the richness of the tradition, symbolizing the soul's presence, like moths attracted to candles during the celebrations.