The theme for the Western Heritage Museum’s October 27th Family Fun Day is Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead from 10 am until 3 pm. In Mexican and Central American countries, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 and 2. This celebration is often misunderstood and confused with the western holiday tradition of Halloween but they are very different. We need to understand this tradition, to fully appreciate why its come to be so popular in the United States and around the world.
Many of the traditions of Dia de los Muertos date back to pre-Columbian and Mesoamerican societies in which “death was seen as simply another stage of living.”1 An article by Fabiola Enriquez-Flores on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s website explains that elements of the pre-Columbian beliefs were combined with Christian beliefs after the Spanish conquest of the America’s. According to Enriquez-Flores, “this eclectic mix of culture and religion is celebrated . . . throughout most of Latin America, but especially in Mexico.”
One important feature of the holiday is the “ofrenda” a temporary altar, decorated with flowers, candles, and pictures of the family members who have passed on. Offerings of fruit, bread, candy or anything that the departed ones may have enjoyed during their life on earth are placed on the altar on October 31 – “All Souls Day.” It is believed that the souls of the departed will return to enjoy some of their favorite things.
The beautifully decorated “Calavera” has become one of the prominent symbols of the holiday and one of the most popular Family Fun Day crafts. Museum staff members make over 200 “Calaveras” or sugar skulls, which will be adorned with colorful icing by the patrons. Another tradition is “pan de muerto,” sweet bread baked for the occasion, served with butter. Children will be able to participate in breaking a “piñata,” learning to make “flores de papel” (paper flowers), and “papel picado” (cut paper banners).
Many of the traditions of Dia de los Muertos date back to pre-Columbian and Mesoamerican societies in which “death was seen as simply another stage of living.”1 An article by Fabiola Enriquez-Flores on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s website explains that elements of the pre-Columbian beliefs were combined with Christian beliefs after the Spanish conquest of the America’s. According to Enriquez-Flores, “this eclectic mix of culture and religion is celebrated . . . throughout most of Latin America, but especially in Mexico.”
One important feature of the holiday is the “ofrenda” a temporary altar, decorated with flowers, candles, and pictures of the family members who have passed on. Offerings of fruit, bread, candy or anything that the departed ones may have enjoyed during their life on earth are placed on the altar on October 31 – “All Souls Day.” It is believed that the souls of the departed will return to enjoy some of their favorite things.
The beautifully decorated “Calavera” has become one of the prominent symbols of the holiday and one of the most popular Family Fun Day crafts. Museum staff members make over 200 “Calaveras” or sugar skulls, which will be adorned with colorful icing by the patrons. Another tradition is “pan de muerto,” sweet bread baked for the occasion, served with butter. Children will be able to participate in breaking a “piñata,” learning to make “flores de papel” (paper flowers), and “papel picado” (cut paper banners).
During the event, musician and educator Sagit Zilberman will present “Songs for Peace” an interactive, family friendly presentation at 11 am and 1 pm. Zilberman, who has traveled throughout the world, spreads her message of peace and tolerance through music. “Since the idea of Dia de los Muertos centers around helping the dearly departed to have a peaceful journey to their afterlife, we think that Sagit’s program will give an added dimension to the event,” said Mary Lyle, Director of Education.
