Dia de los Muertos---Death can be very becoming!

The Mission District is where I grew up. It's always been rich in cultural diversity. The "awareness" of the heritage of Mexican and Central American cultures and it's appreciation and marketing of the art is relatively new.

On Saturday, November 6, a dear friend and I went to the Mission Cultural Center at 2010 Mission St., in San Francisco, near 25th STREET to see the celebration of Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, which celebrates the memories and lives of those who have passed. There are amazing events going on there frequently and lots of fine restaurants in the area.

When I was a wee one, the Center had more arts and crafts and was oriented towards school-kids, now they reach out to lots of adults in their activities. The Center plays a key role in celebrating Dia de los Muertos each year and has been successful in expanding the awareness of this holiday which can be experienced throughout Mexico.

The Center always operate on a shoestring financial basis, though you'd never guess it by the caliber of the posters and the facilities.

I recommend you save this link and when you're starting to ramp up for Halloween, start checking out their calendar, looking for Nov. 2 as the kick-off day for the procession and festivities they put on with other folks at Harrison Park, nearby in the Mission. It's great. Bring your best camera.

I took small pictures of the larger exhibits which honor relatives (usually) or special people, for example, people who may have perished in battle...

But all show a degree of love that is unsurpassed and is not seen anywhere in American culture, as death takes on a completely different context here.

Kids make many of the exhibits that honor grandparents, for example.

Many of the exhibits have food, grains, candy, mementos....

The doll-like figurines are always happy, whimsical and pretty...

Oh, and did I mention the awesome restaurant we went to afterwards! Something told us it was time for "Mariscada", a seafood plate I had when I traveled solo through Mexico and almost planted myself for good in Merida in the Yucatan peninsula many moons ago! It was really tasty and fresh, another good choice by my dear friend! Great place: Esperpento (known for Spanish Tapas) 3295 22nd St.(at Valencia) (415) 282-8867. Oh, a really righteous Chardonnay went very well with it!