Día de los Muertos...

Since the 1960s I have been observing the Day of the Dead. You see, I had a 'best friend' through high school that was of Mexican descent, and she taught me many things about this special time of celebrating and honoring those of family that have passed on...It's NOT Halloween as many think. [3 days from Oct 31st through November 2nd]   It is a loving tradition!! A way of respecting those that have left us behind. Tho traditionally it's a Mexican observance, lately, it has become part of many cultures throughout the world. Anyway, last year -2020- Mattel Toy Company came out with a Barbie Doll dressed in the customary costume. Our local news [and national] had segments on the doll. Barbie was beautiful! And perfect. I wanted one. I went to all the stores the next day and into the entire week afterward and all was "sold out". My last resort was online purchase...same thing: "Sold Out"!! Sunday, coming back from my morning walk [around 8 a.m.] I stopped at the HEB [Texas Grocery Chain] for lunch and the needed bottled water. Naturally, I went down the seasonal aisle to check out what decorations they had stocked for Halloween, and lo and behold, there was the 2021 [!!!] version of Día de los Muertos [day of the dead] Barbie!! Tho, it isn't as pretty as the 2020, I had to have one by god. But, they were locked up tighter than a drum. I had to find a clerk...he said "I have to unlock them, and take her to the cashier for you. There is a limit one per customer". He also told me the cashier number where I was to go to pay for it. They're NOT cheap. By the way the 2020 Barbie online this year through Amazon, eBay, etc. are from $200 to selling for over $800!! I would still like having the 2020, but not for those prices. Okay...so, I got the Barbie 2021. And then, when I got home I told Bud that Ken, the Catrin [females are Catrina], will be out in a few days. He said "you'd better get there early if you want one". I was there just after the store opened, and he was locked up where Barbie once stood! I  went through the same routine, and this time, the cashier I was directed to go to told me that they sell out fast. That day, Barbie was sold out, but I Got him.  Now I have both male and female.

The Animated Movie COCO [about Day of the Dead ...I give it 5*s]
The History of Day of the Dead
Spanish Terms associated with Day of the Dead HERE

from the history channel...
The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31- November 2. While October 31 is Halloween, November 1 is “el Dia de los Inocentes,” or the day of the children, and All Saints Day. November 2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.