(October 25, 2022) Helen Benavides spoke about the traditional observance of Dios De Los Muertos (Days of the Dead) at the October 25 meeting of the of the Snow Hill Rotary Club. Helen is the owner of the Royal Port Candy Company and Puerto Real Tacos and Cantina in Snow Hill.

Dios De Los Muertos is a traditional observance of respect for the dead. The annual observance occurs on November 1 and 2. Small home altars are often set up and adorned with trinkets and photographs of family members who have passed. The tradition originated from Mexico, but is now observed worldwide. 

Pictured here are Helen Benavides and Club President Betsy Gravenor-Stacey.

Everyone in the community is invited to participate in the Puerto Real Cantina (104 W. Green Street) observance on November 2. Participants are welcome to bring pictures of deceased family members for the display. Helen displayed some traditional types of masks and tokens used as a part of the Dios De Los Muertos (pictured below).