Oranges for my mezcal

I omitted mention of one holiday that was celebrated this week; that would be el Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead.

As with Samhain, All Saints’ and All Souls’, this holiday connects the living to the dead, honoring those who have preceded us from life, and perhaps reminding us that we shall follow some day. The family and community celebration involves ofrendas—offerings on altars—to the dead, things associated with them specifically, which they will particularly appreciate. There are also skulls—calaveras—made from sugar, food, drink and music for the living. It’s pretty life-affirming, when you get right down to it.

My earworm today honors this tradition, “Calaverita”, by La Santa Cecilia. A calaverita is literally a little skull, but it’s also a poem specifically written to be recited on el Día de Muertos. They’re satirical, which you will grasp from the video. The lyrics to this one speak of lighting a candle in the heart, the dead dancing with the living, not fearing death and oranges for mezcal. Covers all the bases, really.

La Santa Cecilia (named for the patron saint of music) is based in Los Angeles; they play a blend of Latino-influenced pop, jazz and rock styles, even mixing in some klezmer at times.