DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Day of the Dead holiday catches on in U.S.
For the Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
In traditional Mexican families, the dearly departed are honored with observances on All Saints Day (Nov.1) and All Souls Day (Nov.2), known as Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
In recent years, those dates also have become a new cause for cross-cultural celebration — with the popularity of Day of the Dead symbols and skeleton art easily translating to a hip holiday, sort of like Halloween meets Cinco de Mayo.
File photo
Day of the Dead symbols and skeleton art easily translate to a hip holiday, sort of like Halloween meets Cinco de Mayo.
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In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is more intimate and family-oriented, with celebrations in cemeteries, where altars are erected on the graves.
Among the traditions: wearing wooden skull masks and dancing in honor of deceased relatives; sugar skulls, made with the names of the dead person on the forehead, are eaten by a relative or friend; and pictures of the deceased are placed on the altars with their favorite food and drink.
In the United States, the displays are more public, and there’s more of a fun atmosphere — as the living as well as the dead are celebrated in a lively memorial party.
Keeping with tradition, the Atlanta History Center’s annual Dia de los Muertos festival is a vivid display of Mexican heritage, with elaborately decorated altars adorned with flowers, bread, fruit, candy, and photos. Authentic Mexican food, music, storytelling, and crafts, such as sugar skulls, are also part of the day.
Noon-5 p.m, Nov. 2. Free (food and drink for purchase). 130 W. Paces Ferry Road, 404-814-4000. www.AtlantaHistory Center.com
On the wilder side, on Nov. 1, Bone Garden Cantina, a new Westside Mexican restaurant and bar with a colorful Day of the Dead theme, celebrates with food and drink specials.
And on Nov. 2, Holy Taco, an East Atlanta Village restaurant and bar with a Mexican taqueria-style menu, launches its first Day of the Dead party with a show by top local tattoo artists and menu extras like sugar skulls.
