Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos approaches once more! If you know the drill, you can focus on the "What You Need to Know" portion.
If you're new: I'm sorry for your loss. I like to think it's the best party you wish you weren't invited to. There's more detail for you at the bottom of the email.
What You Need to Know:
We'll have an altar/ofrenda: Bring a photo of your loved one or loved ones and/or an offering for them: a favorite food, a memento, whatever feels right. I'll have photos and treats for my mom; Evan; our pup Leia; my cat Pete; and symbols for two miscarriages. Paul also lost his grandma this year. Note: We'll set the altar up in the greenhouse again, which is dry, but please don't bring the only copy of your most cherished photo, just in case.
Dinner: I'll make another chili bar, which accommodates any common dietary restrictions. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share: something that your loved one loved. As per tradition, we'll also provide pan de muerto.
Drinks: We'll provide beer, wine, and bubbly water, but you're welcome to bring something you're excited about.
Bundle up! We'll host in the backyard and plan on a fire. Miserable weather has become a cherished component of the tradition.
Dress: Traditionally people dress up and/or do facepaint. I'll be so thrilled if you decide to show up decked out, but that's not expected.
Plus One:
- Partners: Come solo or you're welcome to bring your partner, even if they haven't personally experienced a big loss.
- Kids: Honestly, if you have a young kiddo like we do, you might also be realizing that it's a great night for a sitter (sorry Ollie).
- Limited space: If there's someone you'd really like to join, let's discuss. Otherwise, I try to keep the headcount low so the community can be intimate. Please RSVP.
If you're a new invitee:
It's become one of my favorite traditions to host an annual Dia de los Muertos gathering to remember and celebrate our loved ones who have passed. Our group continues to grow, both from new friendships and new losses.
If you're not familiar, Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of deceased loved ones and an invitation for them to visit living relatives. The tone is festive, but all feelings are welcome. It's also a safe space to talk about the hard stuff, if that's what's present for you.
Each year we each take a moment by the fire to share something about our loved ones. If you're stuck, you can just talk about the context of the photo/momento/dish that you brought.
About Dia de los Muertos:
"Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. For these pre-Hispanic cultures, death was a natural phase in life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit—and during Día de los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth." Want to learn more? Check out this National Geographic article, which is where I borrowed this text.
Want to get excited/inspired? Watch the Coco film by Disney.