Remembering, Celebration, Transformation

Angel by the Sea

Because it is Easter (which is often associated with spiritual rebirth and transformation), my mind turns to thinking about Mexico's Day of the Dead celebration. If I walk down the dirt and rock driveway leading from our B & B, La Casa de los Amigos, there is a little Mexican cemetery right across the street facing the sea.

Walking Down from La Casa to the Local Cemetery

It is right next to the beach and I am always pulled to go visit it. Morbid? Well, maybe -- but not here in Mexico. The cemetery has a raw beauty and handmade craftmanship that appeals to me.

Open Air Crypt Surrounded by Vines with Hand-Painted Vines on Pillars

The cementary is always filled to the brim with plastic flowers, with an occasional surprise such as these luminescent beauties I found this year...

Purposeful Luminescence

and impromptu shrines to the departed...

Blue Cross and Red and White Tulip Shrine

The dead are remembered on this religious holiday (mid-November). Entire families flock to the local cemeteries and bring flowers and presents and food. They sweep up trash, clean up the graves, repaint and then sit down to eat, drink, remember, and honor.

Turquoise Chair Locked Away Until Next Year