ALTAR FOR DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DOWNTOWN BROWNTOWN

(Ed's. Note: As the saying goes, sometimes you will find treasures where you least expect them. That was especially true this week when we passed by a store named Desiree at the corner of Elizabeth and 10th Street in downtown Brownsville. A female employee there has constructed a traditional Mexican altar for el Dia de los Muertos which is exquisite in its detail. Besides the Virgen de Guadalupe, Saint George, and San Judas de Tadeo, you have the host of Angels (Michael, Gabriel, etc.) and the garishly dressed muertitas all surrounded by a rash of colorful paper flowers and candles. The Mexican view of death, not as somber concept, but as a colorful part of the life-death duality comes through loud and clear. We are not aware of other altars in the downtown area. If you know of one, give us the location on the comments section and we'll go have a look. For now, however, the altar at the Desiree store caught our eye.)