Halloween & Dia de los Muertos

I was surfing other folk’s blogs and der, it hit me I had not blogged Halloween. So here it is. (Psst../ If you want to see new camera pictures, go one post down.)

I did put some of these up on Facebook, but I wanted them here too.

On the Saturday before Halloween we went to a Dia de Los Muertos posada down in the Heights.  We carried a photograph of my Grandpa Leon who passed away in May.

This was a HUGE skull that was mounted on a cart on wheels and it proceeded the parade. Neat.

There were marigolds for everyone to carry, wear in their hair, and these crosses covered in marigolds.  The idea is that the bright color and sweet smell help guide the spirits of the loved ones to the feast.

These are folk dancers performing traditional Aztec dances. Very cool, I’m sorry for not remembering the name of the dance company.

Walking in the posada (procession/parade)

I didn’t get great pictures because we were in the procession and my hands were full with marigolds, the picture, etc. There were people all around carrying pictures of their loved ones. You can see the marigold crosses too.

We walked down to this shop that sponsors the event, where there was a sidewalk party with tamales and live music.  Inside there were ofrendas (offerings or alters).  The tradition is that these are offerings for the dead, filled with all the things that they loved in life.  You write little poems and sayings about the person and leave them on the altar.  I guess it’s like the ultimate family reunion. LOL.

If someone made an ofrenda for me it should have corn tortillas, and strawberry Fanta and black beans and Tom’s of Maine toothpaste – I think I would miss those things a lot once I’m gone.

I wish I had taken more pictures of the ofrendas, there were about a dozen of them in the shop, but it was right at sunset and I didn’t then have my new fancy camera. So, I gave it up and went outside to dance with Bella and eat tamales.

Bella out on the sidewalk – LOVE this outfit.

Cute urban shots -

 

And finally – Halloween night.

Bella wore Jacob’s costume from when he was two.

Jacob was Darth Vader. And yes, for all you purists out there – we know his light saber is an Obi one and not a Darth one. But, we went with what we already had!

I think the crocs were a nice touch.

Cutest Pirate Ever.