We live across from the graveyard in town and all weekend there has been a steady stream of people bringing fresh paint, flowers, candles, music, and even food preparing for today. This morning we woke at dawn to one man's serenade.Today all over Mexico people are celebrating their ancestors and loved ones who have gone before them. It is a time to gather with friends and family, to tell stories, laugh, and remember ; a favorite food or drink, a favorite song, a sports team, or joke.
It is such a beautiful tradition, one that I've adopted since living here. It takes away the fear of death, the sadness and replaces it with joy and love and peace. It is a way to celebrate and embrace the precious souls who live in our hearts forever.
For our own celebration we have created the altar in the photo above and tonight raise a glass and toast to the ones we love; for me it's first to my grandfather with his favorite "silver bullet" which is basically straight vodka on the rocks with a twist and a brief rendition of his not always appropriate but funny nonetheless "here's to the moment of sweet repose!!!"
Animo
