The holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) begins on the evening of October 31st. On that night, the small angelitos (spirit children) arrive, with the spirits of the adults following on the 1st of November. Family graves are decorated and altars created to honor the previous occupations and preferences of their ancestors. On Nov. 2nd a large family meal is shared with favorite foods and the spirits are then bid goodbye until next year.
These activities mirror an ancient Aztec festival, which honored the Lady of the Dead - the Goddess Mictecacihuatl - during their summer corn harvest. It is celebrated now at the time of All Soul's Day throughout the world, including in many parts of the U.S., Central America and Spain.
Blessings of the ancestors to one and all!
