Prepare for the spirits of your deceased relatives and friends to come back.   What?  November 1 and November 2 is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.   This Latin American holiday is gaining popularity in Colorado.   Many humans believe that the spirits of deceased relatives and friends will return on these two days, so preparations are made.   During this time, death is not feared, but embraced and incorporated into everyday life.   Skeletons are everywhere.   Sugar skulls are prevalent.   Ofrendas, or altars are filled with photos of the deceased person and some of his/her favorite things.   We drove to the Longmont Museum to view an exhibit.   These are the greeters.

Skeleton Greeters at Longmont Museum

Inside, we walk through the Arch of Compassion.

Arch of Compassion

In Latin America, arches of marigolds are common.   Here we are invited to write a tribute to honor a loved one and place the paper in the arch.  Sugar skulls are popular.

Sugar Skulls

This ofrenda is typical, including serving utensils and other favorite things.

Ofrenda

We are impressed with these displays.   Each one was made for a particular human and we read tributes for the deceased human.   Skulls are everywhere.

Embracing death

This ofrenda is dedicated to all men and women who have served this country with honor and distinction.

To all that served their country

This one remembers Miriam O’Leary, a cancer victim.

To Miriam O’Leary

Day of the Dead is not just for Latin Americans.   An altar, or ofrenda to Lost Immigrants.

To Lost Immigrants

Here we remember teachers from the local high school.

High School teachers remembered

Since mom used to teach in a different high school, this really got to her.   In June of this year, the United States suffered a terrible loss.  In Orlando, Florida 49 people lost their lives at a Nightclub.   This was the largest mass shooting loss in the United States.   Those victims are remembered here and their spirits welcomed back for a visit.

Orlando, Florida nightclub shooting victims. June 12, 2016

Look at this.

A skull in the flowers

Even a skull in a flower arrangement.   This exhibit will be open through Saturday, November 5. On that Saturday, there will be entertainment and many activities.   We hope you visit Longmont Museum in Longmont, Colorado.   When you leave, be sure to stop at the gift shop.   Here is a sample of some great gifts and souvenirs.

Stop at the Gift Shop

Don’t wait too long to go.