All Souls Day.

Full moon on All Souls Day.

Last night, I spent an hour-and-a-half in a cemetery celebrating All Souls Day.

That’s right, celebrating. Vincentians all around me were drinking, lighting candles, taking pictures, and shooting off fireworks, honoring the memories of their deceased loved ones.

Raymond, another bakery employee, urged me to visit the grave of his wife who passed away from cancer. He didn’t mourn his wife’s death. We sat and talked about what made her laugh; Raymond reminisced about how happy they were together.

I couldn’t help but appreciate this positive perspective that everyone seemed to share on this festive day.

I trekked back to the house where everyone (myself, Ate Jhoanape, Kuya Randy, JirahMae, Auntie Eppie, Uncle Fidel, and Auntie Alice) sat down around the table for a feast.

Rice pudding, I’m sure it has another name.

All on the table.

Granapple pie.

Mmm, cupcakes.

Cheese cake.

Full moon on All Souls Day.

Here’s a little history: According to Western Christian Theology, All Souls Day is celebrated on the 2nd of November after All Saints Day. All Saints Day recognizes beatified and unknown saints while All Souls Day remembers the faithful departed – those who have not entered the gates of Heaven.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Vincentian Independence.

Photograph courtesy of Searchlight Newspaper.

Happy 30th Anniversary, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines! The Vincentian Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, spoke to the nation via television at Victoria Park promising $200 [EC] allowances for every student and millions set aside to promote nursing, education, and other incentives.

But before I make this post purely about politics, I’ll promise you this – a recipe (or two) is in order.

Funstuff, eh? Expect one in the next few days.