New Mexico - Enchantment and Adventure: Day of the Dead Parade

Beyond My Boundaries

Welcome! I am 65 and this is my first year of retirement. My husband, Lee, just retired too and right out of the gate, we are moving to Albuquerque, NM via a year long house trade that we arranged over the internet. I came from the midwest to Oregon in 1970 and have lived in OR for more than 40 years. I've been teaching English as a 2nd language for the last 10 years. Retirement will be a major life change, and ABQ will be a major cultural and climatological change, so I want to keep notes. These notes are for me, but you are welcome to read them and add your own thoughts.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Day of the Dead Parade - November 6, 2011

Thousands of people attended the parade which went on for more than an hour. Lots of candy was thrown to the children in the crowd and many of the people who attended also wore Day of the Dead make-up and costumes. (See the end for some examples.) The crowd was joyous, and it was a grand event!!

More than a few floats and signs evidenced an anti-corporate sentiment in the air. One man in the parade wore a t-shirt with "stimulate me" written on the back. However, the majority of the parade represented the community and participation ranged from school and business floats to old car enthusiasts. Some folks just wanted to dress up and be in a parade!!

There was candy for everyone! This Day of the Dead clown clearly enjoyed her work!

There were lots and lots of great old cars and souped up new ones scattered throughout the parade. Here are only 3 examples.

After the parade there was a celebration event at a local community center complete with a rock band and dancing, craft vendors, food booths, and a chance to post a prayer about whatever you wanted to say. So imaginative and fun!!