Day of the Dead Community Celebration

Description

Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a wholesome Mexican holiday that pays tribute to the lives of loved ones who have passed on. The Día de los Muertos celebration traces its roots to the time of the Aztec people in Central America, but was later influenced by cultural and religious practices brought by the Spanish. It is widely celebrated today in Mexico and the American Southwest, though celebrations can now be found throughout the United States due to its universal theme of remembrance, honor and love. Special exhibits, called altars, are set up as memorials to departed loved ones, and often contain items that were special to them. This may include a photo of the person, samples of their favorite foods, symbols of activities they loved, and bright yellow flowers. Pan de muerto (a typical day of the dead bread) is abundantly displayed during the festival. Sugar skulls (calavera) are decorated and fancy paper cut-outs (papel picado) add color to homes, tables and altars.

This year’s celebration will feature performances by Ballet Folklorico Flor de Castilla, Danza Angeles de Guadalupe, El Trio de Dos, and Nuestra Herencia Mexicana. There will also be Day of the Dead crafts like decorating sugar skulls, face painting, an altar exhibition, and a display of ceramic skulls made by Carson High School students. To add to the fun we will have a photo booth and food trucks Hot Rodz and King of Kings at the event.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.