Local events cross cultures and celebrate death and life
In a society where the definition of beauty is intertwined with the concept of youth, it’s no wonder that more than a few American woman rush to a cosmetic surgeon for a shot of Botox at the first sign of crow’s feet. Celebration and rights of passage just might be the furthest thing from these minds and aging is often seen as the enemy, eluding only to a nasty five-letter word (D-E-A-T-H) that scares the daylights out of plenty of people—men and women included. But this isn’t the case everywhere. In Mexico, Central and South Americas, the holiday, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), is living proof that aging and death can be explored from different vantage points.
On Nov. 1 or 2 in places like Argentina or Chile, brightly colored picnic blankets might dot the landscape creating a maze of intimate parties at the local cemeteries. Surrounded by family and friends and plenty of candlelight, the atmosphere is festive and a harvest moon typically hangs overhead. Fine foods prepared with ultimate care and setting up “camp” at the burial sites of those who’ve passed is an example of how Dia de Los Muertos might be observed in other parts of the world where cultures view death as a continuation of life, in another dimension.
Our local communities are celebrating Dia de Los Muertos in various ways.
Community Altar, Face Painting
and Performances
“It a way to celebrate death and life,” said Susan Sykes, director of operations at Move2Change Dance Studio at The Barlow in Sebastopol, where she teaches yoga and pilates. Sykes has always enjoyed observing Dia de Los Muertos, a holiday that has a way of bringing communities and people together. “It’s a favorite of people who work here (at the dance studio),” said Sykes, noting that Dia de Los Muertos will mark the studio’s grand opening celebration on Nov. 2. The event runs from 2 to 6 p.m.
Sharing stories of loved ones who’ve passed, making their favorite foods and pulling out old photographs are a few common ways to observe the day, and Move2Change will offer a community “altar” and welcome a diverse array of personal contributions. “People can bring photos of loved ones, poems or something else,” said Sykes. Altars might also be set up in private homes or churches throughout Sonoma County, inspiring storytelling and passing on family traditions to the next generation. But establishing an altar is just one element of the multifaceted holiday that may include parades, processions, arts, crafts and more.
Move2change will also offer face painting for guests during the daytime celebration. The party wouldn’t be complete, however, without a little— or a lot of—dancing, and the new studio will offer free classes to the community. Samba, belly dance, Zumba, West African Dance and more will be on tap for those who attend. After 6 p.m. the party will continue with a $10 cover (kids are free) for performances, DJ dancing and refreshments.
Dance Celebration in Sebastopol
The Sebastopol Community and Cultural Center will also offer a “Day of the Dead” Dance Celebration but this one will take place on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. The popular, local band Dginn will play its eclectic collection of French- and Latin-influenced tunes and the Love Choir will also perform.
All ages are encouraged to attend the costume and dance party that will feature food from BBQ Smokehouse Bistro, Lagunitas Beer and fine wine. Adult tickets are $10 at the door and those under 18 years of age pay $5.
Windsor’s Community Event
Traditionally, items placed on public or private altars are intended to bring joy to a visiting spirit. Colorful, laughing skeletons, cheerful marigold flowers and other humorous scenes are often the theme in Muertos art. “It is believed that the spirits want to be humored and amused when they come to visit,” explained Dennis Bone, an organizer of Windsor’s 3rd Annual Day of the Dead Celebration.
Giant parade puppets, sugar skull decorating, papel picado, paper flowers and masks will all be part of this year’s festivities, and Day of the Dead folk art, crafts and supplies will be offered at the Windsor Farmer’s Market on Sundays through October. All sales will benefit the Windsor Bloco after-school program.
“It’s become a cross cultural, bridge-building event. We all have someone we wish was still with us,” said Bone, about the Dia de Los Muertos celebration that began in mid-October and will continue until Nov. 4.
The grand finale of the Day of the Dead Celebration in Windsor will culminate on Nov. 2 with the community gathering on the Windsor Town Green at dusk. A free candlelight procession will begin the celebration featuring a Catrina contest. Catrina is the iconic upper class French woman depicted in the work of Jose Guadalupe Posada, during the Mexican Colonial Period. There will also be face painting, music, dance performances, drumming, food and beverages.
Student’s traditional altars
at Healdsburg Museum
Exploring the various local events that are taking place in honor of Day of the Dead it’s clear that the holiday invites people of all ages to join the community festivities. In Healdsburg, the Healdsburg High School Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO) Club will lead the way, putting together an El Dia de Los Muertos display at the Healdsburg Museum. Traditional altars full of color will be designed and assembled by students.
The exhibit opens on Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m. with a reception that the public is welcome to attend.
“I think we have a lot of people locally who claim the Latino heritage, and it’s important to have a place to express that,” said the museum’s assistant curator Meagan Wells.
RESOURCES
Move2Change, Sebastopol
www.move2change.com, 823-1074
Sebastopol Community Center
www.seb.org, 823-1511
The Healdsburg Museum
www.healdsburgmuseum.org, 433-3325
Windsor: For a full list of events,
visit Windsor El Dia de Los Muertos on Facebook or call 838-0789.
