"Dia De Los Muertos"
Day of the Dead
My name is San Juan Rapido Diego. This will be my first year being honored on the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day which take place on those days. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. As November 1st draws near my spirit is ready to move and see my family. It is a foggy day so the scent of incents guide me on my journey to my family’s home. I first notice my wife, mom, and children heading to the el cementario to begin cleaning my grave off and placing the la offrenda and marigolds down to be accepted by me. Afterwards I can see my mom and wife preparing the special built el altar for me. On it lays my favorite drink, favorite cigar, food, and lots of other things I used to enjoy when I was on earth. My dear son is already playing with his la calacas, while my daughter is eating a la Calaveras. This is a very special time for the people of my culture. It is a happy time. The thought of death is not saddening on these days. Everyone is enjoying themselves to the fullest remembering their family members who has past. To me the la comida is the best part. This really brings the family together. As they sit at the table and feast on el pan de Muertos brings happiness to my ghostly heart. The end is near. It is time for me to return back to the spirit world. I can’t wait until next year when I return to see what has changed.