Influencer Jocelyn Barrett Highlights the Connection Between Mexico’s Day of the Dead and the Philippines All Souls Day

Mexico City Mexico - December 09, 2025 - Mexico City — Influencer Jocelyn Barrett captivated audiences this season as she immersed herself in Mexico’s iconic Day of the Dead celebrations, offering a cultural perspective that connects the centuries-old Mexican tradition with the Philippines’ own observance of All Souls’ Day. Through her vivid visuals, cultural curiosity, and uplifting storytelling, Barrett shines new light on themes of remembrance, identity, and renewal.

Día de los Muertos, celebrated on November 2, honors loved ones who have passed through vibrant altars, marigolds, candles, and symbolic imagery. For Barrett—who was born and raised in the Philippines, where All Souls’ Day is also observed on November 2—the experience offered a powerful reminder of how two cultures, oceans apart, honor the departed in deeply meaningful ways.

“Day of the Dead is so much more than a costume or a parade,” Barrett shares. “In both Mexico and the Philippines, November 2 is a sacred day of remembrance. It’s about love that continues beyond a lifetime. Our traditions may look different, but the heart behind them is the same.”

Throughout her visit, Barrett participated in local customs, including the iconic La Catrina makeup and ceremonial dress, which captured the attention of thousands on social media. Her transformation into a modern Catrina became a visual bridge between historical meaning and contemporary creative expression.

Growing up, Barrett observed All Souls’ Day with her family by visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, cleaning graves, praying, and spending the day reconnecting with loved ones who have passed. Experiencing Mexico’s traditions firsthand revealed striking parallels: the same focus on family, memory, respect, and the belief that those who came before us remain present through legacy.

In both Mexico and the Philippines, the observance of November 2 stands in contrast to Halloween on October 31, which is largely a Western celebration centered on costumes, fun, and entertainment rather than ancestral remembrance. By highlighting this distinction, Barrett helps her audience understand the deeper cultural significance behind these holidays.

She emphasizes shared themes that connect both countries:

Light as guidance: Candles and lanterns symbolizing the path of the departed.
Honoring legacy: Visiting loved ones' resting places and telling their stories.
Transformation: Recognizing cycles of life, loss, and renewal.
Community connection: Families coming together in celebration rather than mourning.

As Barrett continues to document her experience, she encourages her audience—many of whom are Filipino—to rediscover the cultural richness of All Souls’ Day and understand its resonance with Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

“These traditions remind us that we’re more connected than we think,” Barrett says. “Mexico and the Philippines share the same heart on November 2. It shows how powerful remembrance can be across cultures.”

Barrett's work continues to reach new audiences worldwide, blending culture, travel, beauty, and storytelling. Her Day of the Dead coverage marks a significant moment in her journey as a digital creator, emphasizing authenticity, creativity, and global understanding.