Interrupting Their Rest

The veil between the living and the dead grows thinner at the beginning of November, according to ancient Mexican tradition and the ancient traditions of about ten other major cultures. It's a little suspicious: How did people all over the world get the same incredibly weird idea? We conclude they were simply observing a fact. At "Almas y Corazones/Hearts and Souls," a group of talented artists display ornate and humbling altars to honor the dead. These are traditional in Mexico, but while some feature the usual gorgeous bunches of orange marigolds, photos, papel picado, and candles along with items favored by the deceased, some go avant-garde, with stark lighting, abstract images, and other new ways to reach out and grab you by the beating heart. The other major celebration of the Day of the Dead in San Francisco is the 29-year-old Dia de los Muertos Procession and Exhibition of Public Altars. Bring candles, photos, and items enjoyed by those who have passed on this year (or anytime, really), and place them at the available altars at Garfield Park. Many people wear outfits from beyond the grave, and the procession is alternately solemn and raucous, since mocking the sadness of death is part of all those ancient traditions, too.

The Dia de los Muertos Procession starts at 7 p.m. at 24th St. and Bryant, S.F. Admission is free; call 722-8911 or visit www.dayofthedeadsf.org.
Nov. 2-17, 2007