At the beginning of November, The Day of the Dead (otherwise known as Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos) is celebrated in Mexico, and other Spanish speaking countries, as a way of remembering and celebrating the lives of friends and family who have died.  It is a collective and joyous celebration which can include dressing up, the making of masks, the writing of poems and (very important) the sharing of food – particularly cake! 

In the UK we have no way of remembering our loved ones in a collective acknowledgement of loss, and funerals come and go.  Instead it is seen
as a private experience where others tread carefully and distantly.  It seems too difficult even to talk about, let alone shout, sing, dance and feast in our neighbourhood, towns and cities.    

On the 1 November this year our street, Shirley Road, was going to celebrate this glorious occasion with the baking and sharing of cakes. In thanks we wanted to contribute funds to our local hospice (City Hospice in Cardiff), who do so much to give dignity and comfort to those who are dying and grieving.  With COVID-19 restrictions we have delayed this but it still seems right to capture the moment so the day itself still has meaning. 

City Hospice has been working tirelessly during the pandemic and fundraising is hard as Covid restrictions have impacted on their shops.  I also wish to offer sincere thanks for the support they gave me when my amazing husband, Gareth, passed away.