DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: Gone but not forgotten ... celebrating 
departed ancestors during Dia de los Muertos ... details 
ahead on Passport to Texas ... 
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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Mexican culture is imbued with rich traditions such as Dia 
de los Muertos -- known north of the border as Day of the 
Dead - observed on November first.

"It carries with it a certain feeling of obligation; obligation 
basically to honor your family - members who have died before."

Dr. Ward Albro is an authority on Dia de los Muertos 
traditions in Mexico, and on October 27, he'll present a 
Day of the Dead lecture and slide show at Landmark Inn 
State Historic Site in Castroville. Ken Conway manages 
the facility.

"In south Texas, the Hispanic families honor the dead, and 
decorate cemeteries and sometimes their homes to create a 
remembrance of those who have gone on. We've been seeing 
that in Castroville in our cemetery here for now three years."

Conway says that's what inspired him to invite Dr. Albro 
to lecture at Landmark Inn. In addition to the tradition of 
decorating cemeteries, Dr. Albro speaks of another ritual 
Mexican families embrace during Dia de los Muertos.

"Alters are very, very important in this practice. In fact, it is very 
much a family celebration -- that they build alters. In some 
cases this means simply changing the make-up of the alter 
that's there already."

The October 27 lecture and slide show beings at 7 p.m. at 
Landmark Inn SHS. Space is limited, so call ahead for 
reservations.

For more information visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife 
Events Calendar. That's our show ... now go outside and 
play ... for Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.