Dead heads
The souls of the departed return to their former earthly neighborhoods on Dia de los Muertos (Nov. 1 and 2), and in many households they’re welcomed with an ofrenda, or altar, decorated with photos, mementos and small sugar sculptures (alfeniques) including sugar skulls or calaveras. Calaveras are offered to the living as well, exchanged by children or given as sweet treats or favors during holiday visits.
Sugar skulls, 25 cents (smallest) to $6 (largest pictured here) each at Olvera Street stands, including Olvera Candy Store, Los Angeles, (213) 617-2212; $2.50 to $34 (for life-size skull) at the Folk Tree, 217 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, (626) 795-8733.
-- Susan LaTempa
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