Dead Can Dance
Last night was truly one of the funnest nights I’ve ever spent since living here in Los Angeles. November 2 is El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in many Latin American countries and SoCal is home to many folks who celebrate this relgious holiday. In very simple terms, El Dia de los Muertos “focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st, and November 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints’ Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls’ Day which occurs on November 2nd.” People celebrate by dressing up as colorful skeletons and decorating altars for family, friends and loved ones who have passed away:
David and I attended the Olvera Street Dia De Los Muertos Celebration last night and honestly experienced one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen in my life. After the jump, check out some of Polaroid photos I snapped last night — trust me, they are really cool to see …
The night started out with a parade that featured elaborate costumes and folks blessing the area with prayers and sage:
Everywhere you looked, there were colorful altars that celebrate LIFE and honor the memories of those who have passed into death:
I got in on the fun and had my face painted into a skull and got to meet and take photos with some of the performers:
There is a huge misconception by some that celebrating Dia de los Muertos is a scary or frightful event … nothing could be further from the truth. It is really one of the most joyous and fun things you could ever imagine. I am so glad that I finally got to take part in a festival like this. It was a wonderful experience and I wholeheartedly suggest that all y’all attend festivals like this in the coming years — it may change the way you view death and celebrate life. I can’t wait for next year’s fest. I am STILL wearing my skull make-up … I don’t want to wash it off ;) We’ll have to see how long this make-up lasts but I had so much fun last night, I want to hang on for as long as I can.
Tonight’s scheduled meeting of The Turtle Party: Book Club has been postponed to next Sunday evening … so those of you following along at home have a few more days to read Post Office by Charles Bukowski. As you may recall, we’ll be discussing the first half of the book at this week’s meeting, finishing it off in 2 more weeks.
Not sure what I’ll be doing tonight … I may lie low … we’ll see.
Tags: 'Olvera Street Dia De Los Muertos Celebration'
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 am
I love Dia De Los Muertos. I went to Olvera Street last year, but since a couple of family memebers passed away this year, I thought it would be appropriate to construc a couple of altars here at home with all of the embelishments, their favorite food, tequila (hehe), and toys for the younger souls. Looks like you had a great time. Latins are linked to one another by the passion they share for the same things and by the passion that resides in all of us. Que Dios te bendiga!
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Oops… Sorry for the typos x] *members *construct*embellishments
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
YEAAAA!!! That is so rad. Looks awesome and what a day to pay tribute to your lost friends and family.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Thanks so much for spreading the word about Dia de los Muertos. You’re right; it’s a huge misconception.
I took time out to celebrate the life and death of my grandmother-in-law who died 1 year ago and was subsequently buried on Halloween of ‘08. I even took time out to remember my beloved cat who died the day after my GIL.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
i loved playing at the cemetary in mexico for dia de los muertos, especially listening to the bands some families would hire, there would lots of laughing but mostly what i noticed is that everyone would share one of their favorite memories of their loved ones.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I’m a NYC native and just celebrated my first Dia De Los Muertos here in Mexico City! So glad you made the post because it’s got to be one of the most Amazing. Holidays. Ever. Pics are posted on FB – keep up the good work! I heart pinkisthenewblog!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Yay! Your first dia de los muertos! Isn’t it awersome blossom? Love how you are diggin your Latin roots.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Awww you’re such a cutie Trent-face.
….I’ve never really taken the time to learn about Dia de Los Muertos but it seems entirely fascinating, I’m Mexican and, to be honest, just now learning too appreciate my latina-ness….something to look forward to delving into next year!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
@MelMel — I totally recommend checking it out next year. It’s an event I’ve read about but until I partook in a festival, I had no idea how amazing it really is. I love living in SoCal, there is so much Mexican culture here … a lot more than I got living in Detroit.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Trent, isn’t your heritage Mexican?
November 4th, 2009 at 10:55 am
@anna — It is, yes.