Local groups celebrate Dia de los Muertos

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — Oct. 21, 2009

Furthering the Latin-American tradition of honoring the spirits of the dead, a handful of local organizations are holding events in the coming weeks to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

An annual celebration observed primarily in Mexico and other Latin-American countries, the three-day event also known as Day of the Dead focuses on honoring the dead and embracing death through a variety of rituals.

At the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, visitors will be treated to a free family celebration of the annual practice this Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the museum’s rear plaza and throughout its galleries.

Along with live entertainment and dance performances, the event features art-making activities, bilingual storytelling, a display of altars created by students and local community groups, and traditional refreshments.

Participants will have a chance to take part in activities inspired by Dia de los Muertos, such as constructing masks, Katrina puppets, mini-altars and skull charms. Limited-edition T-shirts designed by students at La Cuesta Continuation High School will also be on sale, with proceeds benefiting an art scholarship to be awarded to a graduating senior.

At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, a Dia de los Muertos exhibit is currently on display through November 2. Museum officials noted that the family-centered celebration typically involves cleaning and decorating gravesites, constructing offerings, feasting and creating artistic representations of the dead. The exhibit is included with the cost of admission.

Also in celebration of the annual event, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation is holding a free craft workshop and exhibition on Saturday, October 31, from noon to 3 p.m. at Casa de la Guerra. Participants will learn about the history of the rituals while making skeleton masks, decorating sugar skulls, and creating other works of art.

Traditional refreshments will be offered, including Mexican hot chocolate and pan de los muertos, or bread of the dead.

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Please, stay on topic : 10/26/2009

Huh? Unless this is some kind of pagan fertility celebration that we don't know about, please stay on topic. If it is a pagan fertility celebration, call us and let us know where to meet.

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