dia de los muertas eve celebration

Happy All Saints and All Souls Days!!! These are 2 of my favorite days on the Church calendar. (Nov. 1, All Saints Day http://www.churchyear.net/allsaints.html a joyful celebration of all Saints both recognized and unrecognized. And Nov. 2, All Souls Day http://www.churchyear.net/allsouls.html a more solemn remembrance/special time to pray for all the souls/loved ones who have gone before us.) It's been since my year in Belize that I was able to truly celebrate either day (the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos http://www.dayofthedead.com/). This year 2 of my cousins invited us to their annual All Souls Eve bonfire where we had a total blast! (Maria even bravely helped the little boys chase mice out of the fire! She was definitely the only little girl participating in that activity! ;) )
Despite 2 little girls there who were her age, Maria and this little guy Ben totally hit it off! They chased each other all night and drove their "cars/bikes" together. :D

Maria getting some help from my cousin's hubby with roasting her marshmellow. She was quite intrigued by the whole process.

However, her intrigue was not enough to cure the fear of a hot flaming marshmellow coming her way! A cool sticky marshmellow straight from the bag (and a hug from Mama) helped cure the waterworks. :)

Here they are again, budding up to make smores. So sweet :D

I hope everyone had a wonderful fun and holy weekend surrounded by all those Saints and precious Souls of our loved ones! Check out the websites to learn about the traditions of the Church.