The day
after Halloween, I headed to Palm Springs to participate in the Latino version of this holiday called "Dia De Los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead" hosted by the Palm Springs Art Museum. It goes without saying that living in California close to the border of Mexico, there is a wide-spread Latino influence here. "Day of the Dead" falls during the week of Halloween and the Catholic observances of All Saint's Day. For Latin-Americans, it is a time of celebration and honored remembrance of loved ones who have passed; recognizing death as a continuation of life. Traditions vary within each Latino community such as elaborate altar displays, gravesite visits, and colorful art and music venues.
The "Day of the Dead" celebration kicked off with a dance procession near this statue, as ancestrally-dressed Mexican dancers led spectators down Tahquitz Canyon Way to the Palm Springs Art Museum.
At the museum, a Mariachi band entertained the crowd with festive Latino music.
The museum was gaily decorated, and exhibited artwork of famous Latino artists.
My favorite was Chihuly's eye-catching blown glass display.
The gift shop had an attractive display of D.o.D. items for sale.
Beautiful altars throughout the museum commemorated loved ones who have passed.
The altar exhibits were created by Latino groups in the community.
Overall, it was a fun-filled day as arts n' crafts and food tables were set up for revelers to sample Latino cuisines and bring home handmade crafts such as colorful paper mache' flowers and vibrant Day of the Dead skull masks. Learning something new about this time-honored Latin American holiday was a festive way to wrap up Halloween, and enjoy the differences that make up America's melting pot great.
