Dia de Los Muertos starts tomorrow (October 31st) and yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of sharing this (new for us) tradition with great friends.
pan de muerto Looking back at where I started, how I grew up with all the elements of an ofrenda around me while visiting family and didn't realize that those items were symbolic the whole time. They were multi-purpose in a sense, but each had a place on an ofrenda. Indulging in special breads (i.e. pan dulce), prayer candles, serapes, papel picado - all of these things hold special meaning, if only because they reflect a traditional Mexican folk art. Art.
Pinhole photo of our “ofrenda”
When I was finding all of these incredible family photos of ancestors and loved ones that have passed on, I felt an immediate need to honor them. Everything each of them had lived through, endured, survived just so that I could be here. Right here, typing this, living the life I have and doing the things I do. It was an emotional process; is an emotional process, even when lighting the candles each evening.
We remember you. You will not be forgotten. We love you. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Recipes I used for our celebration last night (fully tested!) Pan de Muerto Mexican hot chocolate (or Abuelita is what I grew up drinking!)