Not too long ago we in the Cayo District and the rest of the country, looked forward to November 1st and 2nd. This was the day when we were reminded of our loved ones who had passed away.

My impression was that my beloved sister who had died when she was six years old and my Mother, who died at the age of 44 years, would come to visit us in spirit.

So it was the custom to prepare their visit.

In my village, Carmelita and Johnny Sam, ( Santa Familia ( today ) it was the day, when a special banquet with special foods were prepared for the SOULS. - Special songs were also practiced to sing for them while they visited. - November 1st was the day for the Babies ( Angels.) and November 2nd was the day for the Souls ( the older ones.)

I remember that for the Babies it was MAJA BLANCA ( Manjar Blanco ) And for the adults it was Boyo Bruto. ( Boyos made with ISHPELON, 0 a very tasty black beans, - And as a porridge named, ISHPASHA. ( This was I think a SOUR contraption of Corn Masa, Sugar, Spice Seed, nutmeg and I don't know what else, (but nice,) Coffee had to be there to keep us awake.

The 2nd was a day of prayers from house to house. The candles for that day were color black, made from BEES WAX, and if INCENSE or COPAL BARK was available ( the smell was ghostly. ) - THIS WAS REPEATED EVERY YEAR,

The FUN was the night of the 2nd, when some people had the custom of taking food to the GRAVES of their loved ones.m- WOW.

Because it was a day held with great respect, most people stayed at home to remember their dead and the Young ones were afraid of the dead while they roamed about.

SO THE LITTLE DRUNKARDS and VAGABONDS had their FEAST DAY AT THE CEMMETERY THAT NIGHT. ( Food for all they said. )

by Hector Silva