It was great to see throngs of both young and old enjoying the Halloween party this weekend at city hall and the Dia De Los Muertos festivities on Sunday and Monday on Bejarano Street.

Activities such as these that happen regardless of partisan politics or personal gripes build a stronger community �“ more connected with traditions and culture. They bring residents together; get kids outside and off computers and video games.

There is also an economic windfall. Three tours of out-of-town visitors came to enjoy the Dia De Los Muertos exhibits on Sunday.

These events don’t just come together. This weekend’s festivities were brought to you by a combination of City of Nogales officials, municipal employees, the Nogales Cultural Arts Committee, the Nogales Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, and countless other folks that lent their passion and volunteered time and talents to pull them off.

“Yes,” President Barack Obama said, “Our greatness as a nation has depended on individual initiative, on a belief in the free market. But it has also depended on our sense of mutual regard for each other, of mutual responsibility �“ the idea that everybody has a stake in the country; that we're all in it together.”

The children certainly didn’t need prodding for the Halloween events. But parents and elders should also expose them to culture and art �“ the glue that binds our cross-border background.

There is nothing that satisfies all those who selflessly contribute to these events more than to see a big turnout. Let’s continue to fuel their fire with our support and attendance.

(What do you think? Write us at 268 W. View Point Dr. 85648 or editorial@nogalesinternational.com.)