What I Learned During Day of the Dead
Every year, I celebrate aging with an adventure. To celebrate turning 43, my goal was to travel to Tanzania and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro but my wallet said no. I had to redirect. This is how I ended up trading in my usual mountain hiking adventure for a cultural one instead. And I checked an item off of my bucket list along the way. I headed to Mexico City to celebrate Dia de Muertos AKA Day of the Dead. My interest in Day of the Dead goes back as far as I can remember. The first time I recall seeing Dia De Muertos art was in the Art Institute in Chicago. I loved it and was fascinated by the happy skeletons and colorful theme. My dad (who is Mexican) explained that the dead are both remembered and celebrated in Mexico through the holiday of Day of the Dead. I immediately loved this concept. The idea that death could be embraced as part of the life cycle and that those we have lost can be celebrated instead of only remembered with grief seemed so healthy. I still think it does. So, wh...
