HOLIDAY HISTORY & TRADITIONS

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday observed throughout Mexico and Central American and South American regions. The celebration emerged with Spain’s colonization of Mesoamerica as indigenous beliefs and practices adapted to Catholic ones. On November 1 and 2 each year, families and friends joyfully celebrate their loved ones who have passed. Some people commune with their ancestors in a liminal space, while others enjoy an annual remembrance of their loved ones. Common practices include setting up ofrendas–altars with the deceased’s photos and favorite things–and making the iconic sugar skulls that have become synonymous with the holiday. Calacas (decorative skeletons) adorn celebrations and Catrinas paint their faces as Día de los Muertos applies humor to what would otherwise be a rather solemn observance of the dead.

EVENT SCHEDULE

5-8 PM – Origami Sugar Skulls – Hosted by the Abilene Public Library (at The Grace Museum)

5-8 PM – Sugar Skull Face Painting – Hosted by the Center for Contemporary Arts (North 1st Sidewalk beside The Grace)

5-8 PM – Ofrenda, Food Samples, Aguas Frescas – Hosted by Cultura Local ABI (at 1174 North 1st)

5:15 PM, 5:45 PM, 6:15 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:15 PM, 7:45 PM – Storytimes with the Abilene Public Library (at The Grace Museum) – Día de Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

6-8 PM – Sugar Skull Niches at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (at 102 Cedar – follow the marigolds!)

6 PM & 7 PM – Performance by Ballet Folklórico del Big Country: Alma de Nuestras Raices (in The Grace Garage)

6:45 PM – Performance by Big Country Mariachi (in The Grace Garage)

Don’t forget to grab something delicious from the Tacos el Jalisco Food Truck which will be parked beside The Grace on North 1st!

EVENT SPONSORS

This project is supported by a grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, and HeARTS for the ARTS.