Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead): in Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awake and celebrate with them - a bit like Japan’s Obon: During this time, people go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls to allow them to hear the prayers and the comments directed to them. Unlike Halloween but again like Obon, the festival stretches over several days, typically the first four of November.
The holiday is particularly focused on children, who make and munch alfeñique, which is a confection molded from sugar paste in the shape of a human skull (yes, it is an acquired taste - a symbol of the finiteness of life akin to the sugar lotus flowers displayed during Obon - but I grew up with them in LA). Our friend Luz-san is the matriarch of the Kumamoto Mexican community. She has organized an event at the International Center for children to be held on Saturday, Nov. 2nd, from 10:00 AM. Admission is free, but the number is limited to 20 children, and a reservation is required, available at the number or email on the link. Thank you, Luz-san, for your everlasting efforts to promote international understanding. - William