A Cross-Cultural Look at Undas as Practiced in the Philippines, and Dia de Los Muertos in San Diego Cemeteries
In recognition of the large Filipino population here, my September San Diego Taphophile newsletter includes Undas. It is the Philippine version of Day of the Dead. Here are two articles that discuss how it evolved in the Philippines:
Tracing traditions and understanding Undas (theguidon.com)
The origin of the word “undás“ | EL FILIPINISMO (wordpress.com)
The photo below shows a family member placing flowers and candles on the group tomb of his ancestors. You can see the list of the ancestors on the tomb. Many Filipinos use the occasion to travel to their ‘hometown’ to visit with family at the graves of their ancestors. In larger cemeteries, the number of people arriving for Undas can cause a problem. Gridlock may force police to restrict entrance to the cemetery. Family visits to the cemetery often extend to the evening.
Most of the cemeteries in San Diego close at dusk. This prevents families from visiting at night for Undas.
Which San Diego area cemeteries/graveyards allow Dia de Los Muertos decorations?
These are the locations that I know allow families to place Dia de Los Muertos decorations like you see in the photo:
Mortuaries, Cemetery & Funeral Homes Near Me in San Diego, CA | LA VISTA Memorial Park
Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary in San Diego, CA
El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley | Dignity Memorial
El Campo Santo Cemetery in San Diego, California – Find a Grave Cemetery
A link to more info on Dia de Los Muertos events in Old Town San Diego:
One of the branded items available from my store!
As part of September San Diego Taphophile newsletter: the Cultures and Graves branded coffee mug in the photos above is just one of the original items for sale from my store, available through Etsy:
White Glossy Coffee Mug With cultures and Graves – Etsy
About the author – Cultures and Graves
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