Today is November 2, 2010. Today is not only important because it is national Election Day (I hope all of you who can vote actually voted!) but also because in many Latin American countries we celebrate El Dia de los Muertos. When I was a little girl, it was a common custom to celebrate this special day in school and at home. It is said that on November 1 and 2, the spirits of the dead descend down to Earth to visit their loved ones, who have an altar ready with a whole bunch of goodies for the spirits to munch on. The altar consists of the ancestor’s favorite fruits, bread, meals, wine, candy, flowers, and candles. What I remember the most about this holiday is the “calaveritas,” little candy skulls made out of sugar or chocolate (as shown in the picture above). My brother and I used to love them not because of how delicious they are, but because of their intricate designs drawn out of candy…we used to stare at them for a while before actually eating them. There’s so many amazing things about this day, I adore the emphasis Latin communities around the world put on it…it is quite beautiful.

During “El Dia de los Muertos” we recognize and celebrate the lives of our ancestors; it is because of them that we are who we are. Take a moment to remember them, to tell them that we miss them, and thank them for the legacy they left for you.