November 2, 2003
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A celebration of Dia de Los Muertos in my neighborhood 
Traditionally, it is a time when family members share memorable stories that would commemorate their lives together. A special altar is made and adorned with pictures of deceased to remind the younger generation of their family roots. The altar also includes a feast gather at cemeteries to clean and decorate the grave site with flowers and candles. They picnic with their loved ones offering food and drink to strengthen spirits enough to return to their other world. The skeleton represent the spirit still living after it has left it’s flesh on this earth. From www.olvera-street.com
(click on image to see more detail, it’s quite elaborate!)
Comments (15)
amazing!
Such an interesting tradition. Beautiful display and photo.
I love the ceremony and tradition in the Mexican community here. Since we attend Mass in a predominately Spanish parish, we see so much beauty there.
Thanks for the photo. Did you take it near where you live?
mom – yes, right around the corner! There is an apartment complex that has a central patio that everyone participates in.
They have enormous ceremonies and parades and mourning in Ecuador on the Día de los Difuntos. This year the president declared that Halloween trick or treating was not to be participated in, as it is not an Ecuadorian holiday, and he changed it to the “National Crest Day” to celebrate the crest on the national flag. Hmm.. LOL and then The Day of the Dead. Interesting combination of holidays.
It’s huge in Central America.
how are you, Molly? I hope yer good. (er… no innuendo implied.
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it’s impressive how within the cultural context, such a theme can look so beautiful…
that’s awesome that they celebrate dia de los muertos in your neighborhood….the day of the dead is an even cooler celebration than halloween!
I was talking about this with my students yesterday. They find this tradition morbid, but I think it is actually quite lovely. While I have never been much of a cemetery visitor, I think it is important to remember those who have gone before and I enjoy doing that.
Now that is cool! I love the male and female figures on the next to top shelf.
I love these kinds of displays.
Thanks for the explanation–it always seemed very morbid to me before.
i love Olvera Street. Thank You.
Mara
…love this pic, Molly – what a wonderful tradition!
MuSe