Day of the Dead

Early Sunday morning weather started off rainy and cold, but thankfully the sun was fully out by the time Dia de Los Muertos had begun.  Three words to describe the event: decorated skulls, face painting, and family unity.  This was my first Dia de los Muertos festival experience filled with cultural dance performances, face painting, chalk art, and delicious Mexican food.

This is a huge event in Mexico and is celebrated differently throughout the United States and the world.  Dia de los Muertos is celebrated every late October to early November remembering deceased family and friends.  It was a great event to experience and observe how cultures not only celebrate life, but also celebrate death without fearing it.  For more information about the history and meanings of Dia de Los Muertos, go to http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/articles/dead-history.html

families build altars surrounded with marigolds, their favorite things, pictures, and candles