Halloween and Day of the Dead

I've managed to keep mostly healthy in Leon, but a couple weeks ago, I was sick with allergies. Nothing major - just a runny nose, sore throat, and congestion - and I think it was because the season was changing from summer to fall. But now I'm all better :)

My work celebrated Halloween last week with a costume party. I went as Cinderella. Some people didn't understand why I didn't choose a scary costume...in Mexico, the costumes are supposed to be scary - nothing cute, or funny, or creative (that means no Lady Gagas nor Justin Biebers). It was fun and I got to be a judge in the contest for best costume (the winner was the Mad Hatter, although my favorite was Cruella deVille).

Nov. 2 is a big holiday here in Mexico: the Day of the Dead. People gather at graves to remember and pray for deceased family and friends. They take very interesting offerings to put on the graves. For example, in the downtown, they sell little edible candies in the shapes of foods and vegetables that you can buy to adorn graves. Or you can take an empty beer can if the deceased person really liked beer. It's all about making the adoration unique to that specific person. The Holiday seems kind-of morbid on the outside, but it really is quite playful and joyous - not about grieving at all.

There is also a special food for the Day of the Dead called "pan de muerto" (bread of the dead). It is a sweetened soft bread, shaped like a bun, topped with sugar, and decorated with bone-like pieces. Delicious!

Enjoy this picture slideshow:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2911885&id=2257428&l=e46323afd8

And this video of some cool graffiti: