Dia de los Muertos in the Mission
Day of the Dead is really big here in the Mission, a traditionally Latin American neighborhood that also has a good amount of young people who just love Halloween. Held on Nov 1 and 2, (remember, Halloween is "All Hallow's Eve"), the Day of the Dead is a (mostly) Mexican holiday that celebrates loved ones that have passed.
The massive candlelit processession starts in the early eveing on 24th St and makes its way to a nearby park. Along the sidewalks, shrines have been built, lit by candles and laden with flowers, sugar skulls and photos of the dead. It's a joyful celebration, with people dancing, playing instruments, and beating on drums. Organization-sponsored participants and decandently dressed enthusiasts led the participatory parade, with locals and curious tourists walking alongside and itermingling.
Later, JP and I dressed up for our friend Beatrice's Day of the Dead party. Thus marks the end of the Halloween season. (Yes, season. It's so much more than a day). Next up Thanksgiving aka Carbo-load day!
