DAY#2: DAY OF THE DEAD

Today, the Los Angeles Times has a wonderful article about this 2-day 
holiday, written by Christian Orozco, who honors his own grandparents,
who have died.  He said Southern California has a strong attachment to 
this holiday that sustains the spirit of the dead.

Dia de Muertos can be traced back 3,000 years in Mexico.  It is believed
"when the clock strikes midnight on October 31st, the gates of heaven
open & spirits are able to contact the living."

A key element is the OFRENDA,  an alter dedicated to a person
who has passed away.  There is usually a photo of the person, candles, food, marigolds & sugar skulls.  Creating an alter has become a way of 
expressing grief & helping to reconnect.  There is a cemetery in LA
that has a festival with traditional dance, alters & food.  People dress
up as spirit guides & guardians.  The goal is to keep the loved one's memory alive & to celebrate life, make it fun for friends & family  

As with most holidays, there are special foods such as pan de muerto,
guava mole, butternut squash, & sweets.

So, when you see this silly skeleton in my Blip, you now know why it is here.