Día de los Muertos is one of the most meaningful times of year for our family. It’s not a sad holiday and it’s not Mexican Halloween. It’s a celebration of the people we’ve loved and lost, a time when their memory comes back to sit at the table with us.
This year, we’re inviting you to celebrate with us from October 28 through November 2.
A community ofrenda
An ofrenda is an altar built to honor loved ones who have passed. Traditionally it includes photos, candles, marigolds (cempasúchil), sugar skulls, and the favorite foods and drinks of the people being remembered.
Every year our family builds one at home. This year, for the first time, we’re building one in the dining room, and we’d be honored if you added to it. Bring a photo of someone you’re remembering (a printed copy, please, since we can’t return originals) and write a few words about them on one of the cards we’ll have by the host stand. Grandparents, friends, pets: everyone is welcome.
Abuela Rosa will be placing a photo of her husband Ernesto, along with a small cup of the café de olla he drank every morning for fifty years.
Pan de muerto, baked daily
During the week, we’ll bake pan de muerto fresh every morning. It’s a soft, slightly sweet bread flavored with orange blossom and anise, decorated with dough “bones” and dusted with sugar. Get it by the slice with Mexican hot chocolate, or take home a whole loaf. Loaves usually sell out by early afternoon, so you can call ahead and reserve one.
Seasonal specials
Sofía is also bringing back a few dishes we only make this time of year:
- Tamales de rajas with roasted poblano and cheese
- Mole negro over turkey, a nod to the holiday meals of Oaxaca
- Calabaza en tacha: pumpkin candied in piloncillo syrup, served warm
Face painting on the Saturday
On Saturday, October 31, from noon to 4 pm, local artist Marisol Vega will be painting calavera designs for kids and grown-ups alike. It’s free, and no purchase is necessary.
We hope you’ll join us in remembering, eating, and celebrating the people who make us who we are.
Lomelee’s is a fictional restaurant, and the people, places, and events in this post are made up for a portfolio demo site.