The Day of the Dead

Down in Mexico and in many Latin American countries the first day of November are set aside to honor those who have died. El Día de los Muertos or “the day of the dead” is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have departed from this life. These individuals, be they in the family or simply important figures in history are commemorated by the construction of makeshift altars. These altars may be erected in homes, cemeteries or in some cases, the sides of streets and sidewalks.

For many, this ritual is a way of continuing to publicly show respect for the deceased. For others, this tradition is coupled with the beliefs that the dead are more likely and willing to commune with the living during these two days. Some of the items that are placed on the altars are the favorite foods of the deceased along with models & artifacts that symbolize activities and possessions that were cherished by the departed. Some individuals hold picnics and “camp-outs” (of sorts) in the cemeteries in order to be as physically close to the deceased as possible. The above photograph is replica of a man and his wife dressed up for a night on the town. Rather than being disrespectful, these two figures are intended as a humorous and honoring portrayal of their lives on earth.