Just a few more photos I want to share with you from our visit to Old Town San Diego's Day of the Dead Celebration.

Yes, I said "CELEBRATION"

It may sound weird but traditionally in Mexico "death" and "festivities" go hand in hand. For someone alien to the culture, it may be difficult to grasp the concept, but the fact is that the Mexicans react to death with mourning tinged with happiness and joy. They believe in the life, death and rebirth.

Therefore, instead of regarding death as a relentless force beyond human comprehension and living in constant fear of it, they take it in good humor.

According to the current practice, the Mexicans remember the deceased children on All Saint's Day (November 1st). Their graves are adorned with toys and colorful balloons on this day.

The next day, All Souls Day, is the day to fondly remember the deceased adult members of the family. Their favorite food and drink, their personal belongings and an embellished altar build in their name are used to honor them.

On November 2, the spirits of the dead adults return. Entire families visit the graves of their ancestors, bringing favorite foods and alcoholic beverages as offerings to the deceased as well as a picnic lunch for themselves. They spend the day cleaning and decorating the grave sites and visiting with each other and other families.

There are sugar skulls and toys for the children, emphasizing early on that death is a positive part of the life cycle. It is a happy occasion for remembering pleasant times with departed family members.

There are folktales that say the dead spirits will get revenge on the living if they get poor treatment during these days each year. Leaving nothing (or inferior gifts) on the altar causes the spirits to be angry or sad. These superstitions inspire many people to participate in this holiday celebration for this very reason.

"The essence of this beautiful ritual is to lovingly and happily remember the dead relatives, their life, and in this way, give meaning and continuity to human existence."May Herz