For most foreigners, the traditions and celebrations in Mexican homes and cemeteries during the Day of the Dead seem strange, if not incomprehensible. There is mourning and rejoicing; sadness and silliness - woven together into one emotional fabric. What we consider Halloween is a celebration of much greater importance in the Mexican culture, a combination celebration that adds a deep spiritual aspect to the observance. Harlingen's Historical Preservation Society and the Rio Grande Valley Museum are teaming up this year for a special community observance on All Saints Day (Nov. 1) at Harlingen's historic City Cemetery. The celebration gets underway beginning at 6pm with a candlelight vigil at the cemetery. Residents of the Valley are encouraged to bring photographs of their departed loved ones to place on a special altar along with hundreds of lighted candles. Our Lady of Assumption and St. Anthony's church choirs will provide music for the occasion, and Harlingen South High School group will perform a dramatization depicting the history of the cemetery. A presentation about the history of the cemetery will also be offered during the event. In conjunction with the observance, the Rio Grande Valley Museum is offering a Dia de los Muertos art exhbit through Nov. 14. Those wishing to attend the special cemetery program should bring flashlights and lawn chairs for comfort and safety. The program ends at 8pm.