The Arts: Volume 1, Issue 2
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 14, 2011
1022 22nd Street - Between J&K Sts
To Dance Beyond the Grave: Day of the Dead/Dea de Los Muertos Festivities “Panteon de Sacramento” returns with public and personal altars
La Raza Galería Posada, will offer a six-week gallery exhibition, three workshops and a culminating event, Panteón de Sacramento, for “To Dance Beyond the Grave,” this year’s commemoration of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. Día de los Muertos is a traditional MesoAmerican holiday dedicated to the ancestors honoring death and the cycle of life. In Sacramento, Día de los Muertos has been celebrated since the early 1970s, commensurate with the Galería’s founding in 1972, 39 years ago. The Galeria will be offering Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead workshops three consecutive Saturdays beginning October 15 with Sugar Skull making, a traditional token of the season decorated with icing and food coloring. These workshops will be held on Saturday October 15 and Saturday, October 22 beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. 4
On Saturday, October 29, the workshop will be Paper Marigold/ Cempazuchitl flower making, a Native tradition, that symbolizes death and rebirth, and it lends its eyec a t c h i n g yellow-orange color to many of the traditional Day of the Dead ceremonies and constructions. All workshops are $10.00, though no one will be turned away. Reservations are required. A two-day/night outdoor display of 40 large altars made by families, individuals, artists and non-profit groups will be featured at “El Panteon de Sacramento” (the Cemetery of Sacramento), culminating the month-long series of events. They will be available for public viewing on Saturday October 29th and Sunday October 30 at 2020 J St (behind the Native American Health Center). In addition, the Galería will create a community altar for the public to place offerings, including candles, photographs, foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings for loved ones who have passed away. - Vida