Dia de los Muertos 2010

Today is Dia de los Muertos.  This year the holiday falls on Election Day in the United States.  I'm hoping that everyone remembers to vote and then remembers to remember.

We all have family members, friends and public figures who have influenced our lives. I  set aside this day, as do millions of other people, to honor their memory and thank them for their lives.  Sometimes I wonder whether they even knew how much they influenced me. Creating my altar is a way to let them know.

I usually start working on it about a week before November 2nd by gathering up photos, memorabilia, and objects that I've found on my trips to Mexico over the years. I find a space in my home to set up a table and begin layering it with textiles and boxes to create height and variations.  It's different every year.

 

 

For a few years I've been wanting to attend the Dia de los Muertos event that's held at Hollywood Forever cemetery.  So this year, I asked my friend, Kim, whether she'd like to go.  She said she'd love to go so we decided to dress in authentic Mexican costume and paint our faces in the traditional sugar skull style. We had a great time and now I can cross this wish off of my list.  Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

 

I'm thinking about doing something different next year. I was so inspired by the large altars at the event, that I'd love to make something bigger...maybe take it outside....maybe invite some friends and families to participate.  A party?  A celebration?  We'll see what comes of my ideas.