MICHAEL SWAN: WANT TO BE DEAD? >>>

Halloween terrifies me every year. I cower behind darkened doors, hoping the pint-size ghosts and goblins don’t invade when they discover that I’m keeping the candy for myself.

Time for a change of tradition.

This year, introduce mini-monsters to the Mexican practice of El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). Descending from an ancient Aztec ritual, the festivities honor departed family members while celebrating the continuing cycle of life. Traditionally celebrated on Nov. 2, El Día de los Muertos â€" the Day of the Dead observed by Hispanic cultures â€" is actually spread out over a period of days that begins on Oct. 27. Each day represents different categories of the deceased, from ancient Aztec warriors to lost babes-in-arms. Nice.

Actually, in Tacoma, the festivities start today.

Kiddies (and the young at heart) can create their Day of the Dead masks today at the free papier-mâché workshop beginning at 10 a.m. in the basement of Epworth-LeSourd Church. Oh, scary basement! Learn how to make a skull mask, Dia de los Muertos type figure or work on a group project to be used in this year’s Sixth Avenue Procession (Sunday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m., Masa restaurant). Basic supplies will be provided â€" masking tape and wrapping paper cardboard tubes are appreciated.

If you miss this morning's workshop, there are two more â€" Oct. 18 and 25, same location.

[Epworth-LeSourd Church, 710 S. Anderson St., Tacoma, 253.274.0655]

LINK: Tacoma Day of the Dead events 2008