Dia de los Muertos

["Natalie" <nc_coleman@...>]

I don't remember "celebrating" this holiday as a youngster (in the 
40's & 50's), either. And it is only in the last 10-15 yrs that I 
have been exposed to this custom.
In the past two years the Smithsonian has had public programs for 
DDLM, (one day affairs) with music (strolling mariachi), dance, 
displays, and crafts.
The Mexican Cultural Institute (Washington, DC), in the building that 
formerly housed the Embassy of Mexico, have hosted a DDLM exhibit the 
past 3 yrs - with a magnificent altar in their blue & white tiled sun 
room, reception, and music. Last year there was even a woman dressed 
as La Catrina.
About 6 or 7 yrs ago I began putting up an altar in my yard (then 
moved it to the porch). I would put it up a day or two before 
Halloween - so trick or treaters would get an education when they 
came for their treats. I deviated from the standard of remembering 
and honor family members by remembering friends and family who had 
died in the previous 12 months - I would just post a list. I got a 
lot of ideas online on how to set it up. It has evolved over the 
years. Now my two oldest grand-children (ages 5 & 3) look forward to 
helping me set up the altar. As they grow older maybe they will have 
an understanding of honoring the antepasados.
Thanks to all for sharing the cemetery memories - very informative.
Happy Fourth! * * * (fireworks!)

Natalie