TGIF

OHH! So yeah today, I started looking for some nice costumes for the day of the dead and for halloween. I just talked to Kelly and she's going to be here so im excited. We are going out for halloween and then we are going to the Day of the Dead parade in TJ and we're dressing up, so today i spent the day looking for a ninja turtles costume, and we are also looking for a t-shrit with the skeleton on it. I hope i can find it tomorrow! So today we only got to do a few things...... we went to Bazzar del mundo and looked around, i found molds to make sugar skulls yay! And kiki and bridge made out with some really old man... ya know he was there we were there he was there so why not huh!

For those of you who don't know what the DAY OF THE DEAD really is here ya go. These include all manner of skeletons and other macabre toys; intricate tissue paper cut-outs called papel picado; elaborate wreaths and crosses decorated with paper or silk flowers; candles and votive lights; and fresh seasonal flowers, particularly cempazuchiles (marigolds). Among the edible goodies offered are skulls, coffins and the like made from sugar, as well as sugary sweet rolls called pan de muerto that come in various sizes invariably topped with bits of dough shaped like bones and. All of these goods are destined for the buyer's offering to the dead.

At home members of the family might use the purchases to elaborate an altar in honor of deceased relatives, decorating it with candles, flowers, photographs of the departed, candy skulls inscribed with the name of the deceased, and a selection of his or her favorite foods and beverages. These beverges often include bottles of beer or tequila, cups of coffee, and fresh water, as well as platters of rice, beans, chicken or meat in mole sauce, candied pumpkin or sweet potatoes and breads.

The spirits of the dead are expected to pay a holiday visit home. Frequently a wash basin and clean hand towel are provided so that visiting souls can freshen up before the feast. The offering may also include a pack of cigarettes for the after-dinner enjoyment of former smokers, or a selection of toys and extra sweets for deceased children.

In setting up the altar, a designated area of the home is cleared of its normal furnishings. The arrangement often consists of a table and several overturned wooden crates placed in tiers and covered with clean linens. The offerings are then laid out in an artistic and fairly symmetrical fashion. The smell of burning copal (incense) and the light of numerous candles are intended to help the departed find their way.

On November 2 family members gather at the cemetery for gravesite reunions more festive than somber. Some bring along picnic baskets, bottles of tequila for toasting the departed or even a mariachi band to lead a heartfelt sing-along. Local merchants set up provisional stands outside the cemetery gates to sell food and drinks.

So overall it's an amazing day full of traditions, death, singing, drinking, and parties! Gotta love it!

P.S. I also got a manicure today YAY!