Halloween and Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)
Today ( October 31st) is Halloween and November 2nd is Day of the Dear or Dia de los Muertos.
When we were first here Halloween was not really celebrated but with the advent of all the expats it as become a huge holiday with many parties, costume contests and parades. The trick or treaters start to come to your house as early at 4:00 pm and end about 8:00 pm. The little ones usually come with their parents in cute costumes but the older ones will come to your house over and over again and some do not even wear a costume.
If you want them to come to your door have a lighted, carved pumpkin outside if not, keep your lights out and to not answer the door.
The Day of the Dead is a lovely Mexican tradition which honors the dead. There are many lovely customs to commemorate this day. The festivities usually culminate at the cemetery at the west end of Ajijic, Lake Chapala. Family members take food, drink, flowers other tokens of remembrance of their loves ones who have passed.
There is music, lights, dancing and story telling about those who have gone before. It is a very nice way to pay tribute and remember the dead and everyone enjoys the spirit of the celebration. Everyone is welcome.
Both tonight (October 31st) and November 2nd there will be events at the plaza in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.
Happy Halloween and Feliz Dia de los Muertos.