A Día de los Muertos altar for Soledad Lescas, an Anchorage woman who ran a local produce and catering business.
Nov. 1 National Although Daylight Saving Time is not used across the country, it ends in states that do use it today.
Nov. 1-2 International Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos (sometimes you'll see it as Día de Muertos, which is more traditional), is a Mexican commemoration of departed ancestors. It coincides with the Christian All Saints and All Souls feast days, which are Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, respectively. Researchers are divided about whether it derives from Indigenous Mexican practices, or whether was spurred on during the 20th century to foment Mexican nationalism. It is clear that the 2017 Disney film "Coco," about a Mexican boy's interactions with a late musical idol and his related family history, has generated more interest in the customs of Day of the Dead.
Nov. 3 National Election Day. The Midterm General Election. On the ballot are candidates for Alaska governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, state legislators, and some statewide ballot measures. Early in-person voting began Oct. 19.
Nov. 11 National Veterans Day. This day honors military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. The federal holiday coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which marks the end of World War I. The United States observed Armistice Day as well, but it evolved into the current Veterans Day in 1954.
Nov. 17 National Homemade Bread Day. Making bread at home can involve making a sourdough starter or borrowing some from a friend, or just straight up making it using yeast. Recipes online abound that can help you make a delicious loaf today.
Nov. 19 National The Great American Smokeout Day is always on the third Thursday in November. This is an annual event to encourage Americans to stop smoking. The Great American Smokeout challenges smokers to quit cigarettes for 24 hours with the hopes that this decision will continue forever. Alaska has resources to help you quit.
Nov. 26 National Thanksgiving The holiday honors early settlers to what is now the United States and Native Americans who came together to share a feast. In the 19th century, Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of the magazine Godey's Lady's Book, campaigned for an annual national thanksgiving holiday. But it wasn't until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared two national Thanksgivings. One in August was to commemorate the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, and the other in November to give thanks for "general blessings." It's the second one that we celebrate today.
Nov. 27 National Day of Listening. Spend some time with your loved ones listening to their histories and possibly recording them. Sharing stories gives life to them all over again. And it's a good way to connect with loved ones who may seem mysterious to you.
