By Trixie Gonzales
Dia de los Muertos, which is also known as “Day of the Dead,” is a holiday that is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd by the Latin American culture throughout parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. On this holiday friends and families gather to celebrate loved ones who have passed away and often visit the cemeteries to be close to their beloved deceased. Rituals also include creating alters and bringing offerings that consist of pictures, candles, food, beverages, and other gifts that would’ve been cherished by their departed loved ones. The holiday does not mourn their deaths, but rather, celebrates and honors their remembrance on earth.
On Tuesday October 19th , the Women’s Center on campus held an event called “Dia de los Muertos Crafting,” where students gathered to create an alter and construct crafts like miniature shrines, tin skulls, sugar skulls and papel picado (tissue paper banners) in the shape of flowers, birds and other forms of decorations. They also made picture frames and used a variety of colors, paints, and other tools. When their crafts and frames were finished they were placed at the alter for display.
Look for various events held throughout North County to celebrate Dia de los Muertos: On Monday November 1 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., California Center for the Arts in Escondido will be celebrating this holiday with crafts, live music, pan dulce (sweet bread), Mexican hot chocolate, and much more. This event is free and will also be featuring free entrance to the museums at the Center all that evening. For more information visit California Center for the Arts in Escondido website at www.artcenter.org. Another event will be held at San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside on October 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and will include similar activities such as craft, art, and food vendors, a chalk cemetery, and a gallery of Dia de los Muertos altars. For more information on this event call (760)757-9651. Death has never been more alive! For the cultural, creative, and curious, visit any of these events to learn more about this fascinating and colorful tradition.