Say ¡Bienvenidos ! to a new tradition in the Santa Fe holiday calendar, a Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. Said to have originated in Mexico, Día de Muertos represents a time to honor and reconnect with the dead in a uniquely beautiful and meaningful manner. Join the commemorative events on the Santa Fe Plaza on Friday, October 28, from 4 – 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The event is free and all are welcome to honor loved ones who have passed and create new memories with family and friends.
Central to this traditional celebration is the ofrenda, a memorial altar created in honor of the loved one who has passed. Created and decorated by family members or friends, the ofrenda is festooned with a variety of offerings and mementos, such as photos, art, favorite foods, clothing, and other personal items. Anything necessary to make the spirit feel welcome after the long trip from the other side. A variety of ofrendas have been placed on the Plaza as sponsorships from local businesses, in the hopes that attendees will revitalize them annually.
On Friday, October 28, starting at 6 p.m., after the official welcome from Mexican Consul for Albuquerque, Norma Ang and Santa Fe Mayor Pro Tem, Signe Lindell, you can enjoy live music from Las Flores del Valle, Mariachi Tenampa, and Carlos Medina Conjunto on the Bandstand, gaily decorated with papeles picados, the colorful cut paper decorations seen at celebrations throughout Mexico. Expect to see brightly colored masks, decorative skulls, and hundreds of marigolds!
On Saturday, October 29, celebrate from 12 – 4 p.m. with strolling mariachis, ofrenda decoration tips, and a performance by Teatro Paraguas, who will present La Llorona and the Cuento (story) “Dancing With a Ghost.” There will also be face painting from 4 – 8 p.m., a free screening of the Disney hit Coco at 6 p.m. ,followed by a glow-in-the-dark candlelight parade and a Latinx Dance Party with Nohe y Sus Santos, and special guests, Kiko Rodriguez from Frontera Bugalu and Katrina Wilson from Lone Piñon.
While listening to the music and perusing the ofrendas, you can also sample signature Mexican cuisine, purchase items to decorate your own home ofrenda, or one of the many tributary items being offered to celebrate the occasion. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, the event is free and all are welcome to honor loved ones who have passed and create new memories with family and friends.
This article was posted by Cheryl Fallstead
