Allen Park store hosts Day of the Dead Celebration

 

By SUE SUCHYTA

Sunday Times Newspapers

ALLEN PARK – Calavera Rose shop hosted a Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration Nov. 2 on the grounds and street near the business at 6800 Park Avenue.

The Day of the Dead provides family and friends with an opportunity to gather and remember loved ones who have passed on, and may take a humorous tone, with people telling stories about their lives and amusing incidents. 

The Calavera Rose celebration featured tarot readers, food for purchase, gift items and live music. 

Carol Kellogg, mother of store owner Sonia Rose, said the tradition comes from Mexico, and is celebrated in some Central and South America countries as well.     

Eleni Sofianidis, who works at Calavera Rose, said it is a day for people to remember loved ones who have passed. 

“We mourn in a celebration,” she said. “We don’t cry for them; we celebrate them.”

Sofianidis said photos are put up to remember loved ones who have passed on, along with food they enjoyed, or a shot of liquor or a cigar for an adult, or perhaps a toy and candy for a child. 

“It’s a day to have lunch with your loved ones,” Kellogg said.

Nearby, Postres by Dianys offered tempting Mexican baked goods, while the smell of cooking food from Detroit Loves Tacos caterers lured guests like a gastronomic siren song. 

Psychic Ronda Hart was available for tarot readings, along with tarot reader Cheryl Daniels, both of whom are affiliated with the Calavera Rose shop. 

The smell of wood smoke wafted from a nearby firepit, where brightly colored blankets were spread on the lawn to encourage guests to sit for a while, and perhaps admire the 1955 Chevy Bel Air low rider parked nearby, drawing admiring glances as guests strolled by during the event. 

To learn more about Calavera Rose Shop, go to calaveraroseshop.com.