Angelitos – souls of the children who have died, literally “little angels. Atole – an ancient drink made from corn meal and water flavored with various fruits Calavera – a skull tat symbolizes death and a slang term for daredevil. Also songs and poems that are satirical in nature. Mascara or Careta – a face mask Cempasúchitl – a yellow marigold, the symbol of death Mole –... 

Many immigrants, especially the Oaxacan community, have brought these traditions with them. They are now sharing them with everyone by participating in Día de los Muertos Festivals in the U.S. Non-Mexicans are learning that Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and death that speaks to everyone who has lost somebody. Some people attend because either they are curious, or they want to just... 

The Mexican Day of the Dead – Día de los Muertos — is a festive and celebrative time. It is a holiday with a complex history and fusion of old traditions. This view of death started with Mesoamerican cultures such as the Olmecs more than 3,000 years ago. Mesoamericans believed that during this time of the year, the boundaries that separate the living and the dead weaken and that the deceased... 

The altar, full of “ofrendas”, is the focal point to observing the Día de los Muertos. In Mexico it is build at home and/or at the grave side. Entire families construct altars as an annual commitment. The altar consists of four levels and four sides, representing the four stages of life, the four points of the earth, the four seasons, and the four cardinal points upon which the pyramids were built.... 

Halloween is based on a medieval European concept of death and is populated by demons, witches, and other images of terror – all of them negative. Día de los Muertos is distinctly different. It is a custom that demonstrates a strong sense of love and respect for one’s ancestors. It celebrates the continuance of life – family, relationships and community solidarity, and even finds... 

CLICK on photos to see the detail. Mini Ofrendas Sponsored by XEWT TV 12 (made by the kids with their families.) Main Ofrendas (altars) & Classic Car Ofrendas Entertainment  Read More →

  Artist at Work Dia de los Muertos, the popular street festival usually staged in Downtown Oceanside and bringing in crowds of 65,000+, has found itself a new home at Mission San Luis Rey. The 9th Annual Dia De Los Muertos will take place Sunday, November 1st, 2009, 10am – 4pm. MainStreet Oceanside, the downtown business support group that previously produced the event, is providing assistance...