Day of the Dead Celebrates Memories of those We Miss

California Travel Tips

Day of the Dead Celebrates Memories of those We Miss

Published on: October 25, 2012

Day of the Dead celebrated around the time of Halloween is growing in popularity in California. In Hispanic culture it is looked upon as a chance to commemorate those who have passed, and actually provides great therapy in coping with loss. How? Participants can use the creative process to build altars with artwork, skeleton art, contemporary objects, artifacts and designs representing “the dead” in a light-hearted, yet respectful manner. The event also reminds human celebrants that we, too, are only a moment away from the grave. OK, so it’s maybe not so healthy to walk around seeing or imagining everyone you meet as a skeleton, but it’s not a bad thing to think about our lives and place in the cosmos. Throughout the world cultures have various ways of honoring the dead and coping with grief– Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one such tradition. Contemporary burial ceremonies in the U.S. generally include placing flowers, balloons and other object on or around a grave, and we additionally have an annual Memorial Day holiday in May to officially remember loved ones with ceremonies and visits to grave sites. Day of the Dead is not considered a national holiday but it is growing in significance in California. In Mexico it is a national holiday that takes place on November 1 (All Saints Day) & November 2 (All Souls Day).

Day of the Dead Celebrations in California 2012: