Dia de Los Muertos; a favorite holiday of mine; is traditionally celebrated on November 2. In Mexico and many other cultures, "All Souls Day" is the day and night when the gates of Heaven are opened and the spirits can visit their families for 24 hours. Families go to the cemeteries and clean the graves, planting fresh flowers, and lighting candles to illuminate the dead souls' way back home. I like to build Ofrendas with pictures of my loved ones along with the deceased's favorite foods and drinks. Marigolds and saints' candles are also part of the decoration. A Mexican friend of mine said that "Life is like a river that flows on forever. When you are born your soul jumps into the river and you flow on into eternity." I LOVE that! Below are pictures of a few loved ones who passed recently. (Luckily my sister Renee and I are still here :=)