It is that time of the year again. Colorful paper flowers, Fall colors, pumpkins, paper Crazy Bones, and signs of spooky ghosts in the front yards of my neighborhood.

It is Halloween. The goolish faces of carved pumpkins all lit up look at me in the evening, shreds of fabric, twisted around trees, candle light, mixed with lighted spiders, and scary masks.

Yet, it is also the Dia de los Muertos, All Saints Day, the celebration of the departed. Bright paper flowers on heads, attached to masks, remind us of the celebration of life of departed family members and friends.

Brightly colored Calaveras show the creativity of the Living, as we fold some of the paper flowers, paint and decorate the Calaveras we think of the departed, tell stories, the family is here, we eat and drink to their memory. When we recount stories and anecdotes they are still with us.

Scary costumes or masks can be good. We celebrate and remember those we lost. We all have someone dear who is not here with us anymore yet, in our hearts we hear the echo of their voices, we celebrate their life and cherish this memory.

Happy Halloween, put on a smile behind your mask, and have a goolish good time.

Cheers

Jasmin