Seventeen years ago, the Natural Death Care Centre (NDCC) saw the need for a non-religious, community ceremony to remember and honour those loved ones who have died.

On Sunday about 200 people gathered to laugh, to cry, to mourn and to remember loved ones who have passed away, at the annual Day of the Dead Ceremony which this year was held at Heritage Park in Mullumbimby.

Local celebrant and Deathwalker, Zenith Virago will facilitate a Day of the Dead Ceremony at the fig tree in Heritage Park, Mullumbimby, on Sunday.

Between pagan and christian days of observance – All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints Day, All Souls Day and the Day of the Dead – this week every year is traditionally a time to remember those who have flown away to the next place.

A celebration of those who have died will be held this Sunday at the Crystal Castle – facilitator Zenith Virago says the ceremony is an opportunity for everyone to come together for those who have died, are dying, or who are lost to us in some way.

It’s a dark night. Not stormy, but very dark. No moon can be seen through the canopy, only stars flashing their history. ‘Ow,’ I blurt as a twig slips between the straps of my sandals and spears my right foot.

The annual Day of the Dead ceremony at Crystal Castle due to take place this coming Sunday has been postponed to November 26 owing to wet weather. Gates open with free entry at 3.30pm for an inclusive Ceremony of Love & Remembrance.

Now in its ninth year, the Day of the Dead ceremony is an opportunity for everyone to come together to honour and remember our loved ones who have died, are dying, or are lost to us in some way.

On Sunday people from across the northern rivers made a pilgrimage to Crystal Castle to remember family members or friends who have died in a way that goes beyond the usual religious blandishments.