Día de Muertos

From The Organizers:

“DÍA DE MUERTOS CELEBRATION
Nov. 1 & 2, 2023 | 4–8 p.m.
Free and open to the public!

Join us for a special community gathering for Día de Muertos, a celebration of life that demonstrates remembrance, love, and respect for those who have gone before us. Choose to come on either Nov. 1 or Nov. 2, or celebrate with us on both days! This event is free and open to the public.

Contribute to a community ofrenda
Watch live music and performances on the mainstage theatre
Engage with hands-on art activities
Installation by artist Cal Duran
See ofrendas created by local school and community groups
Food and drink available for purchase

RESERVATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a tradition that dates back around 3,000 years in Latin America. Pre-Colombian cultures such as the Aztec, Toltec, Quechua, and Mapuche, held a cyclical view of the universe in which death is an integral part of life. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit, and were welcomed back to Earth during Día de Muertos.

The revival of the observance of Día de Muertos in the United States is part of the Mexican American reclamation of Indigenous identity that began with the Chicano Movement, which spanned from the 1940s to the 1970s. This celebration has evolved over time and in different ways in various regions, illustrating the importance of reclaiming cultural heritage and tradition. Within the United States, it has evolved as a mix of Latin American Indigenous practices, Roman Catholic spiritual traditions, and diasporic Hispano/a, and Latinx American cultural expression. Like many holidays, it is celebrated in different ways by individuals, families, and communities. Ofrendas (offerings) are made to honor those who have passed and often make creative or socially engaged statements.

Performances
Ballet Folklorico de Barajas
Grupo de Baile Hispanidad
Mariachi Tigre
Grupo Folklórico Sabor Latino

Hands-on Art Activities
Sugar skull (calaveras) decorating with Bemis Art School instructor Ronee Smith
Paper flowers and cut paper flags (papel picado) with Bemis Art School instructor Dawn Eeh
Button making
Coloring pages”