It was a hot day and Thomas the Tank Engine was traveling north into another country. Soon, he puffed into a Goods Yard where he heard a whistle. "Hello again, Thomas!" Thomas looked to see another engine. It had shiny black paint with a silver smokebox and stood very low on the rails.

Thomas knew who it was. "Oh, hullo, Carlos…again?!"

"Si, yes, we first met at the Great Railway Show, then I saw you with that other engine and that racing car and now, I'm seeing you a third time."

"Oh, right," Thomas laughed. "I'm sorry we didn't have a chance to talk last time."

"Don't worry. I could tell you had an important job to do."

"Yes, Nia and I were taking Coffee to San Francisco and helping Ace the Racing Car to his next race."

The Yard Master arrived. "Hola, Thomas! We've been expecting you. Welcome to Mexico!"

"Thank you, Sir," replied Thomas.

"Everyone is waiting for you in Mexico City. Carlos has to make a delivery there, so I want you to help him."

"Yes, Sir," said the engines.

Thomas and Carlos collected a long line of trucks from the sidings and were on their way. Thomas noticed that some of the trucks were empty. "What are those empty trucks for?" he asked.

"We have some cargo to collect on the way," said Carlos, "and some of these trucks are going to another town."

"What's Mexico City? I thought we were in Mexico already."

Carlos laughed. "We are. Mexico City is the largest city in this country. That's why it's named after it."

"I understand," said Thomas quietly.

Then, they came to a junction. "I have to deliver some of these trucks to a nearby town," explained Carlos. "Keep going straight and you'll be in Mexico City in no time. I'll meet you there later and don't forget to stop at the next station. That's where you have to collect the special cargo."

As Thomas continued on his way, he couldn't stop thinking about what Carlos had said. Special cargo? I wonder what's so special about it, he thought. Maybe it's something to celebrate my arrival.

Thomas traveled along until he reached the next station. "Hola," said the Stationmaster. "You must be Thomas. We've been waiting for you."

Thomas watched as the station porters loaded his trucks with boxes and boxes of golden flowers. Is this the special cargo I was supposed to collect? he thought. "What are all these flowers for?" he asked.

"These are marigolds, Señor Thomas," the Stationmaster replied. "They are the traditional flowers for Día de Muertos."

"Diddy-Murry…what? What does that mean?"

"Día de Muertos, Thomas. It means 'Day of the Dead.'

Thomas was shocked. "Day of the Dead?!"

The Stationmaster laughed. "There's nothing to be scared of. It is a very colorful festival, and everyone has a good time."

But Thomas wasn't so sure. "It doesn't sound like a good time to me," he quivered to himself. "It sounds scary."

As Thomas puffed towards Mexico City, he couldn't stop feeling worried. The journey took a long time and he saw the sun moving across the sky. "I hope I get to Mexico City before the sun goes down," he chuffed, but when he saw the next town up ahead, it was too late.

When Thomas reached Mexico City, it was already dark. He noticed some decorations hanging on the buildings, but there was no one to be seen.

Suddenly, everything went black and when Thomas looked again…he was surrounded by skeletons. "Cinders and ashes!" he cried. He closed his eyes tightly and whistled loudly in fright. His boiler quivered and his frames rattled. Then, Thomas heard Carlos' whistle. "Carlos, help!"

"Thomas," laughed Carlos, "what's the matter?"

"Don't laugh! There are skeletons everywhere!"

"Thomas, look a little closer."

Then, Thomas heard music and people laughing. He opened one eye very slowly. The decorations glowed brightly and when he looked a little closer, he could see people dancing in fancy dress costumes and the skeletons were just large puppets.

"You see?" smiled Carlos. "Día de Muertos is a celebration of happy times long ago. People wear costumes and have a big celebration with music, dancing and fine food."

Thomas smiled too. "This is almost like Halloween back on Sodor. The Stationmaster was right. I did have nothing to be scared of."

It wasn't long before the party was in full swing. Everyone enjoyed themselves and Thomas' marigolds were a colourful addition to the festivities.

"Fizzling fireboxes," said Thomas, "this Day of the Dead festival has really come alive now."

Carlos was happy for his friend. "Welcome to my home, Thomas and Happy Day of the Dead."

"Feliz Día de los Muertos, Thomas!" everyone cheered, and Thomas whistled happily in return.