Dias los Muertos...a wonderful celebration in Mexico! On Nov 2nd, the Mexicans celebrate the Day the Dead, honoring and visiting with past friends and relatives that have passed away. The graveyards are cleaned and tombstones are decorated with flowers and notes...friends and families come for the day with chairs, food and drink to spend time with their deceased loved ones. They believe that on this day, the dead return to their grave to visit with those who are still alive. It is a celebration, a happy event where the community comes together. I like this celebration, it feels right to remember and not feel so sad and remorseful when someone dies. It is how we should celebrate death (and life).
I spent most of the day walking through the graveyard taking photos and talking to the locals, they are not offended that a gringo was there amongst them, taking pictures and reading the tombstones. Then the celebration moved to the plaza, the centre of town. There were shrines of the deceased surrounded by candles, food and craft venders, tarot card readers, and a large stage for live music. The whole town was there, children running around, locals visiting one another, music, laughter, food...all the makings of a great party.
The music was outstanding, and the type of music that makes you want to move. There was a Brazilian group of drummers and dancers, they were awesome...and all so beautiful. They also spun fire, crazy what they do with fire, speed and movement, all at the same time...and no one looses an eyebrow!
When I finally couldn't party any more, I went to my room on the third floor, overlooking the plaza, opened the doors wide and fell asleep to the sound of mexican music...quite magical!
