Growing up, the festivity of Dia de los Muertos was not something my parents used to commemorate, and my familiarity with it only developed in my adulthood. Today, it’s a tradition that has deeply woven itself into the fabric of our family life. This year, as with the ones before, I’ll step into my son’s primary school classroom to illuminate them about the historical roots of this holiday and share glimpses of our cultural heritage.
Engaging in this cultural exchange within the school environment is an activity I cherish deeply. We’ll participate in baking cookies for everyone to savor and creating sugar skulls for the young ones to embellish and carry back home.
However, before the festivities commence, I’ll enlighten them about the profound meaning of the holiday and its uniqueness. Dia de los Muertos, celebrated extensively in Mexico and Latin America and increasingly gaining recognition in the U.S, commences at the dawn of November 1st. This day is believed to be the time when the departed return to reunite with their beloved ones. It is a grand commemoration of departed loved ones that culminates on November 2nd. Families erect altars adorned with photographs, food items, musical instruments, and cherished keepsakes.
On a recent visit, my mother mentioned that Dia de los Muertos was not a common practice back in Tucson, the city where she resides and where I spent my formative years and pursued higher education. Discussions about the holiday or the concept of death were not commonplace in our household until recently. As my parents are advancing in years, the idea of death, though daunting to ponder, becomes crucial to prepare for. We’ve had numerous discussions on the subject of death, albeit without focusing on preparing for its inevitability.
Dia de los Muertos is a significant celebration and has been observed in the past by the Rose Hills Memorial Park & Cemetery. It serves as a period for reminiscing about those who have departed, and a moment to contemplate future planning. (Due to construction activities on the premises, Rose Hills won’t be hosting a Dia de los Muertos event this year.)
Starting a conversation on this topic may provoke unease, but its importance can’t be downplayed. Rose Hills provides guidance for families to initiate this necessary conversation. They have structured programs to assist individuals in preparing for their own and their loved ones’ eventual passing.
Hello, and welcome to my travel website! My name is Jennifer E. Sheahan, and I’m a passionate travel enthusiast who loves to explore new places and experience different cultures. I believe that travel is not just a way to escape from the daily grind, but also a way to learn and grow as a person.