Day of the Living (and the Dead)

Day of the Dead: Don't Fear the Reaper, Celebrate the Soul

The old man propped himself up on the bed, squinting in the direction of the younger man adjusting the curtains to let the first light of morning enter the room.  "Why have you come so early?" the old man asked.  He reached for the pair of glasses on his nightstand. "Old eyes just don't see as well," he explained..

The younger man began straightening up the room. "I would have cleaned up if I had known you were coming," the old man said.

Quietly, the younger man left the room, entered the kitchen, and began preparing a hot drink on the stove. "I remember when you used to make this for me, you, and Mama," the old man said.

"Some things you never forget," the younger man replied. "Papa, you should answer the phone when it rings. And take care of your self."

"I always do, Salvador" the father answered.

The phone rang. The father picked it up. "Dead? ... Salvador? ... That cannot be; he is standing right here with me ..."

The camera slowly panned the room. No one was there. Cue closing credits.

And so went the simple, yet poignant plot of "The Visit," 1 of 5 short Mexican films about the strong family connections among family, the living, and the dead shown today at the National Geographic Museum to herald the annual Spanish Day of the Dead celebrations.

Also on display was a detailed explanation of the history behind the event, as well as an example of an ofrenda, which are private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages as well as photos and memorabilia of the departed that are displayed to encourage visits by the souls of dead family members.,

Tales, Tidbits, and Traveling Tips:
A recognition of the Day of the Dead wouldn't be complete without a sampling of Mexican cuisine. The finest Mexican food in DC can be found at Oyamel, operated by famed  local chef Jose Andres. But the establishment is expensive for lunch. So we opted for a 1st visit ever to the Chevys chain restaurant in Pentagon City. I highly recommend the chicken corn tortilla soup. Judy gave big props to the homemade nachos and rich, red salsa.