Today begins the official and annual Día de Los Muertos — the Mexican festival of honoring family members and friends who have passed, traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2.
While the festival happens next to Halloween, even with activities before Halloween, it is not a Mexican version of Halloween. But many people think it is. Yet is far from it.
Dia de Los Muertos is a time set aside and dedicated in Mexico and in the Mexican culture to honor, remember and be thankful for those in our family, especially whose lives in this world are over. And as believers believe, live on in the world beyond this one. It is a time when the meaning of family is reflected upon and the importance and impact of families are recognized.
Living in San Diego, where the Mexican culture and beliefs have been part of communities for a long time, we get to appreciate what Dia de Los Muertos really means.
While there are many people who are from Mexico living across the United States, here in San Diego, it’s easier to observe this Dia de Los Muertos and what it stands for.
And during a time when the American family is under more stress and there are too many broken families, resulting in many of the problems our society faces, such as homelessness, mental health and crime, this time every year, and especially this year, is a time to be inspired to hope and pray that all families be whole.
READ MORE: What Dia de Los Muertos means and why it endures.
(Photo Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images