Celebrating Day of the Dead 2009

Sometimes I find Day of the Dead celebrations much more colorful, meaningful and interesting than the over-commecialized Halloween celebrations that preceed them. Day of the Dead is a time to celebrate the departed, spruce up the graveyards and put up a home altar. There are special foods, decorations and customs associated with Day of the Dead. You'll find that Day of the Dead is recognized throughout the Southwest.

As an example, in southern Arizona, The Global Arts gallery in Patagonia is hosting a Day of the Dead art exhibit, feast and altar building.

At the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, you can explore the Mercado, pause at Ofrenda and Sculpture Installations, enjoy performances by Dancing Earth and La Calaca Cabaret, and a Sunday afternoon procession through the Garden.

We've put together a collection of Day of the Dead art and photographs to give you a sense of the holiday.

Photo Credit Courtesy: Donna Reibslager Fine Arts