A BRIDGE TO BEYOND ; Dia De Los Muertos Celebrations Help Living Connect With Departed
By Aurelio Sanchez JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
In death, there are no rich, no poor, no upper class, no lower class, no politics, no distinctions at all. Death is the great equalizer. So it stands to reason that death in life could also be used as a great bridge between cultures.
That’s the guiding principle behind this year’s Da de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations at National Hispanic Cultural Center and elsewhere.
“It’s really a great way to bridge cultures and to introduce people to this ritual of remembering and honoring the dead and at the same time celebrating life,” said Shelle Luaces, director of education at the center.
Da de los Muertos is a very important holiday in Mexico, and is very much aligned with the mission of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Luaces said.
“It’s really important for us to find new ways and new rituals that we can celebrate as individuals, and as a community,” she said.
The center has sponsored a host of activities designed to promote community celebration, climaxing with Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Community Celebration event on Nov. 2.
On Family Day, families and community members can learn about the Da de los Muertos celebration, create traditional arts and crafts, and view ofrendas (altars) that honor families and individuals. The afternoon event will include presentations on the history of the holiday, hands-on art stations, student and artist ofrendas and musical entertainment.
Last year, Family Day attracted more than 1,200, growing from about 75 who attended the first event six years ago, Luaces said.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Nov. 2, a Community Celebration will focus on creation of a huge outdoor community ofrenda. Participating individuals and families will have a dedicated space on outdoor steps to honor a friend, family member or ancestor. Artists Catalina Delgado Trunk and Christopher Gibson are leading that effort.
“What we’re trying to do with the ofrenda outside is to create a space and time for people to observe the holiday in their own way,” Luaces said. “There will be space on the stairs for people to perhaps place a photo, or the favorite food of their departed loved ones.”
To register, contact Elsa Menendez at elsa.menendez@ state.nm.us or call 246-2261, ext. 189, or visit www.nhccnm.org.
The center also plans to have one or two musical groups who will go around and play requests, perhaps of a loved one’s favorite song, Luaces said.
Also this year, Trunk presents an ofrenda honoring Diego Rivera, El Sapo, one of Mexico’s foremost muralists. The public is invited to visit various ofrendas during regular hours and special events. Ofrendas will be on display until Nov. 12. For more information, visit www.nhccnm.org, or call 246-2261.
Other Dia de los Muertos events include:
Catrina Chalk Mural with Albert Rosales and Lonnie Anderson at the Plaza Mayor of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Catrina is the embodiment of Death. Classrooms and community members are invited to participate in the creation of a large chalk mural of Catrina, a famous image attributed to Jose Guadalupe Posada and often associated with Da de los Muertos. Thursday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free. Student and school groups must register in advance, by contacting Elsa Menendez at 246-2261, ext. 189.
Musical and dance performance by Kalpulli Ehecatl Aztec Dancers at the Albuquerque Journal Theatre in the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Kapulli Ehecatl presents Mesoamerican culture through performance and ceremony with elaborate dance, costumes and Mesoamerican traditions. 8 p.m. Nov. 2, $10, $8 students and seniors. For more information, visit www.nhccnm.org, ticketmaster.com, or call 246-2261.
Working Classroom, Da de los Muertos Art Exhibit, live music and refreshments, 212 Gold SW, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 2, free. More information, contact Paco at 242-9267.
South Broadway Cultural Center, Da de los Muertos celebration from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 2, free. For information, call 848-1320.
South Valley Marigold Parade, 4 p.m. Nov. 4, free. Annual, festive community parade and celebration, starts at the Sheriff’s Department on Camino Familiar and Isleta SW. For more information, contact Rusita at 244-0120.
Old Town, Da de los Muertos, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 2, free. Community altars and performances by local artists. For information, call Chuy Martinez at 768-3531.
El Camino Real Heritage Center, Da de los Muertos, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 3. Free with monument admission. Papel picado workshop, storytelling, video presentation, refreshments and viewing of altar installation. The center is about 30 miles south of Socorro on Interstate 25, or about halfway between Socorro and Truth or Consequences. For more information, call Claudia Gallardo at (505) 854-3600
Santisima. Pre-Day of the Dead Celebration, Saturday, Oct. 27, from 7-9:30 p.m. Local artists will display their artwork. Dress up as a Da de los Muertos figure and enter the costume party; grand prize up to $300. Day of the Dead artist Manuel Salas will be giving away artwork. Live entertainment, refreshments and food, 328 San Felipe Road in Old Town. Contact Johnny at 246-2611.
Coronado State Monument, Festival of Cultures, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. Arts, crafts and refreshments. Free. I-25 exit 242 west through Bernalillo. Call 867-5351.
Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice Studio, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, papel picado and marigolds workshop, free. 1600 Fifth NW. Call Rusita, 244-0120.
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