SANTA BARBARA — Many of those who have lost a loved one are looking for ways to manage their grief and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) helps to navigate this often-painful journey in a variety of ways. This may include grief counseling, support groups, and healing modalities such as poetry and art. All of Hospice of Santa Barbara services are free to everyone.
Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) has become an increasingly popular holiday in the United States as it is seen as a valuable way to reconnect with those who have died and relieve grief in an individual and shared ritual of celebration. Dia De Los Muertos is a two-day holiday that reunites the living and dead, November 1 and 2. Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their food and join in the celebrations!
