La Ofrenda: The Days of the Dead

Each November first the dead come to visit. They are received and given offerings (ofrendas) of food, flowers, art and mementos of their presence on earth -- either at the cemetery or on an altar at home. A custom of the Chicano-Mexican culture practiced since ancient times, this occasion is anything but solemn or serious. It is one of the most intimate, friendly family festivals of the year -- a time of reunion of the living with the dead.