Monday, November 02, 2009

Celebrating Day of the Dead / Dia de Los Muertos

Once again we had our semi-annual dinner celebrating Día de los Muertos (aka "Day of the Dead"), the annual tradition celebrated on All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) or All Soul's Day (Nov. 2). This festive Mexican holiday pays respect to friends and family who have passed away, while at the same time honoring the continuation of life.

Our Dia de los Muertos altar. (11/01/2009)
Our Dia de los Muertos altar. (11/01/2009)

The holiday symbolizes the belief that our connection with friends and family does not end at death. To commemorate the impact they've had on our lives, a special meal is prepared to welcome the souls into your home for a day of rememberance.

Johnny, Jon and Tim get ready to eat. (11/01/2009)
Johnny, Jon and Tim get ready to eat. (11/01/2009)

Today's special meal was Mexican of course, and our pals Johnny and Jon joined us in the celebration. We had carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas, beans and tortillas. (We skipped the rice this year since we're doing South Beach). Of course I made my award-winning fresh guacamole. We also bought a pan de muerto, a Mexican bread sold this time of year that looks like bones. We also skipped the cupcakes and instead celebrated with skull-like cups of sugar-free pudding (another South Beach modification).

Pan de Muerto. (11/01/2009)
Pan de Muerto. (11/01/2009)

This was our first time celebrating Day of the Dead in two years. We skipped it in 2008 because Tim's Grandma Helen in Buffalo, NY passed away a few days before, and her passing was too recent to celebrate Day of the Dead in the joyful spirit in which it was meant to be celebrated (it's not intended to be a sad holiday).

Dia de los Muertos pudding cups. (11/01/2009)
Dia de los Muertos pudding cups. (11/01/2009)

One of the traditions is to display a Day of the Dead altar, where you place candles and photos or mementos of the special souls who have touched our lives. My mother, my grandparents, Tim's dear friend Judi and our beloved dog Simon had their appearance. This year we added photos of Tim's Grandma Helen and our friend Jack Pitts who passed away this year. Although we were saddened to have lost them since our last Day of the Dead celebration, we were honored to include them in our celebration this year.

James & Tim's 2007 Day of the Dead celebration.

James & Tim's 2006 Day of the Dead celebration.

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