Dia De Los Muertos is when those of us living remember our deceased loved ones. This is actually not a “day,” it is three days and this year starts on October 31 and ends on November 2. Families create colorful, individualized altars for loved ones (including pets, yes this is SoCal). There are specific elements key to this period of remembrance which echo back to the ancient Mesoamerican times. Some of my favorites: Aztec Marigolds (Targetes Erecta) – these tall, golden flowers are sacred and used for decoration and medicine. The color and scent guides the spirits to their “ofrendas” (altars). Copal is known as the “Frankincense of the Americas.” This is a resin that comes from the Bursera Bipinnata tree. The resin is burned for religious purposes and is known as food for the deities. Calaveras de Azucar are sugar skulls. The skull symbolizes death and rebirth. In addition to Olvera Street downtown, Silver Lake will host their day on Friday November 1, Sunset Triangle.
