Latin America
Related: About this forumLatin America's Day of the Dead Honors Loved Ones
Latin America's Day of the Dead Honors Loved Ones
November 3, 2013 (AP)
By The Associated Press
Latin Americans around the region are honoring their departed loved ones with Day of the Dead celebrations, blending pre-Columbian rituals with the Roman Catholic observance of all Saint's Day on Nov. 1 and All Soul's Day on Nov. 2.
The holiday known in Spanish as "Dia de los Muertos," is especially popular in Mexico, but is also observed in other countries around the region, including Guatemala and Bolivia.
In Lima, Peru, a young man applied a fresh coat of paint to a cross on the grave of a loved one while a woman held vigil at her grandmother's tomb, protected from the sun by an umbrella tied to tree branches. Also at the Nueva Esperanza Cemetery, described as the world's second largest, 77-year-old Domitia Alaca wandered among the graves trying to find her father's final resting place.
The cemeteries of Haiti were populated with Voodoo practitioners holding rituals to remember their dead relatives. Candles illuminated the tombs at the San Gregorio Cemetery outside Mexico City, where families communed with their ancestors by holding picnics and decorating the graves with bright orange marigolds.
Elaborate altars were erected inside homes around the region to remember loved ones who have died, decorated with photographs, candles, flowers, skeleton figurines, sugar skulls and sometimes the favorite food and drink of the dearly departed.
More:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latin-americas-day-dead-honors-loved-20766453
TexasProgresive
(12,157 posts)El Dia de los Muertos directed and written by Jim Keeshan. I can't find any info on the web about it. We belong to the Spiritual Cinema Circle and receive DVDs each month with several shorts, discussions and a feature fill. This DVD is from October 2006
The story begins with a small boy in LA on Holloween. He and the older children make a stop at Abuelita Lucia whose husband, Dionisio has recently passed away Lucia gives the children sugar skulls and tells them about the altar (ofrenda) she has made for Dionisio. It has his picture and all his favorite things including his favorite brand of tequila.
She tells them of the one thing she wishes she had for the ofrenda- a picture of Pancho Dionisio's pet iguana who died and was buried in Mexico.
The film transports us to Mexico where Pancho is awakened in his grave to begin a journey on the marigold road to LA. He undergoes a lot of trials not the least giant skeletal boarder guards and a couple of skeleton gang bangers drinking Tekillya.
Every thing about this little film is marvelous. I wish that it was available.
gopiscrap
(23,726 posts)I remember being in the Catholic school and having to attend Mass on this day every year. Gave me a chance to do my homework during the liturgy, til the nun caught me and then she hit me for not meditating on Jesus' love!
Judi Lynn
(160,452 posts)Your next warning might not be so restrained!
gopiscrap
(23,726 posts)as the nuns were beating me they always told me how grateful I should be for Jesus' love.
TexasProgresive
(12,157 posts)Judi Lynn
(160,452 posts)leaving his earthly burdens behind him.
Awwwwww.
The story is sweet, reminding people of enduring friendship maybe, and the mystery behind our origins and destinations?
Thanks.