Mexican writer Octavio Paz once said that the Mexican has no qualms about getting up close and personal with death. “He chases after it, mocks it, courts it, hugs it, sleeps with it; it is his favorite plaything and his most lasting love.”

Day of the Dead figurines can be seen at the Douglas Public Library

No doubt Paz is talking about the Day of the Day, also know as All Souls Day, which is celebrated every Nov.  1 and 2.

“It is a love/hate relationship with death,” said Oscar De La Torre, the Mexican Consul in Douglas who sponsored a presentation at the Douglas Public Library Thursday evening.

Rosita De Romo presented a slide show of Aztec temples and culture, Day of the Dead traditions, and of current day indigenous peoples in Mexico.

De Romo has been giving these presentations at the library for the last five years. Her display of Day of the Dead dolls can be seen at the Douglas Public Library.

Beginning in mid October and the first week of November, markets and shops all across Mexico begin to display items of Day of The Day, which include skeletons, skulls, little coffins, votive candles and fresh flowers.

Typically, Nov. 1 is set aside to honor and remember all deceased children, whom are often referred to as Angelitos or Little Angels. Adults are remembered on Nov. 2.

“Living on the border Mexican children can enjoy both the great foods of Day of the Day and all the candy from Halloween,” Romo said. She recalled how many children cross the border into Douglas, where they go out with their American counterpart for Trick-O-Treat.

At home, Mexican families set aside a corner of their homes for an altar that honors a deceased family member. It often includes a photograph of the decease along with his or her favorite food, beer, cigarettes and candy.

On Nov. 2, families head out for the gravesites and decorate them with flowers and sometimes set out food that the deceased enjoyed while living. There are lots of tears mixed in with laughter. These celebrations can last all night and into the next morning.

Although the Day of the Day customs are celebrated throughout Mexico, they are more so in the interior of the country.