November 2, 2011 - Today is known to us as Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead that follows All Saints Day for Latin America, for those of us who were brought up as Catholics.
Over last the last several days I have seen numerous alters that commemorate this day and pay tribute to our ancestors or "nuestros antepasados" which is very special for our Latino community, regardless of where we may find ourselves in this world today.
I have always wanted to create an alter para mi abuelita Margarita but have never given time to do so. I was blessed to have her in my kitchen cooking and talking about life. After many conversation, I know know where my strength comes from. Mi abuelita, a very small women in stature, but she has passed on her great spirit and drive to me.
So as busy as we are, I have never gotten around to building an alter for my grandmother Margarita on this special day of Dia de los Muertos. But as I looked around my kitchen and saw small reminders of her, like the moclajete she had given me along with the hand made green and orange potholder, I realized that my entire kitchen was my homage: para mi abuleita.
If I close my eyes I can smell the delicious food cooking in her kitchen from my childhood. It brings tears of joy to this special day and I know my grandmother is still with me.
Mi abuelita Margarita... know as Marigolds: they are placed on the tombs of our loves ones, mi abulita Margarita is the flower and that has bloomed as a spirit within me to share with other.
Mil graciasa mi abuelita Margarita Leal, you are the one who taught me the rich culinary culture of your aubelitas and I am grateful that I can pass it on to others.
Sauld y buen provecho!!
Lydia Gonzalez Welch
Latino Culinary Institutute
www.latinoculinary.com
lydia@latinoculinary.com
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