Honoring a cultural tradition

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers SPIRIT OF LIFE— Sarai Mendez, an Oxnard resident, and dance partner Juan Carlos Mendez of Camarillo perform a traditional Mexican dance during an El Día de los Muertos— Day of the Dead—event at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Camarillo on Nov. 1. The holiday, also known as All Saints Day, is a Mexican celebration to remember and honor those who’ve died and to recognize that death is part of life. Special food, flowers, dances and decorations— often depicting skeletons—are part of the holiday.