Yes, it has to do with the beloved departed family members, and therefore, of course there is some kind of sorrow.
But as the video also shows, Mexicans make the best of the situation - life must go on and it's much better to continue happily, right?
So, skelletons are just another "normal" part in our life, because the very same is inevitably linked with death. In the clip you'll find also many other very typical items like the calaveras (sugar skulls) on the altar, beautifully carved fruits, conchas (shells) and other Mexican breads, lots of flower decoration, hitting the piñata (container often of papier-mâché, filled with toys and candy) etc.
Although the latter custom original comes from China where it was celebrated to "ensure" rich harvests, it's now extremely common in Mexico, where its meaning and interpretation was changed by the Spanish missionaries:
The Mexican Catholic interpretation of the piñata rested on the struggle of man against temptation.
- The seven points (of a star-shaped piñata) represent the seven deadly sins.
- The pot represents evil and the seasonal fruit and candy inside the temptations of evil.
- The person with the stick is blindfolded to represent faith.
- The turning and the singing and shouting represent the disorientation that temptation creates.
- In some traditions, the participant is turned thirty three times, one for each year of Christ's life.
These interpretations were given to the piñata for catechism purposes. As the participant beats the piñata, it is supposed to represent the struggle against temptation and evil. When the piñata breaks, the treats inside then represent the rewards of keeping the faith. (Source: Wikipedia)
By the way - did you notice that in the video nature doesn't look autumnal at all? Guess what - most parts of Mexico are not blessed with four seasons... This is something I really do miss here (not winter, tough).
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