I'd love to say I relished my time-honored tradition once again, but I hate to say this...Day of the Dead may have jumped the shark.
Not the actual holiday, mind you, but this particular celebration. I've had some friends who have felt the same thing in the past couple of years, roll their eyes and say that it's become too trendy. I would just roll my eyes back, and tell them it doesn't matter. The more the merrier, I say. Sometimes trendy is a good thing.
I like to go around 4 p.m., since it's still usually scorching hot here in L.A. this time of year, so it's just before sunset but still well before nighttime, when the celebration turns into a huge drunkfest. Seriously, I have no problem with partying and imbibing, but it just gets so dang crowded. It becomes panic-attack time.
I did enjoy the Eyes Wide Shut take on Día de los Muertos--giving me ideas for next year's costume. Hmmm...
Mostly I go to see the altars. They are always spectacular and so moving. But this year...less spectacular. It seemed the emphasis was on getting your face all made up and having everyone take your picture.
And usually there are interesting and offbeat altars, ones dedicated to historical figures. This year's "historical figures" included Bob Guccione and Johnny Ramone.
I think next year I want to venture out and experience some other Día de los Muertos celebrations in the city. I do like the one thrown by Self Help Graphics and Art in Boyle Heights.
This was one of those years when work totally took over, and the month and Halloween all flew by. Next year, I really want to do it up right--the LACMA Costume Ball, the Haunted Hayride, Lucha Va Voom and Día de los Muertos.
You heard it here first.
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