Day of the
Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the
world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and
friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It
is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it is a national holiday, and all
banks are closed. The celebration takes place on November 1, in connection with
the Catholic holidays of All
Saints' Day and All Souls'
Day (November 2). Traditions connected with
the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar
skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and
beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. They also
leave possessions of the deceased.
The Phoenix
Public Library is among many of the places around Phoenix that showcases these
altars. "Stories of Our Lives" artist-made altars inspired by Día de los
Muertos runs from Oct. 22 - Nov. 3 at the Burton Bar Central Library.
Here are a few photos of the exhibit: (thank you artists for letting me
photograph your artwork!)
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| Not all altars are dedicated to people - this one is dedicated to a lost pet. Tim Burton would be proud. |
I admit the deed! --tear up the planks! here, here! --It is the beating of his hideous heart!"
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| Wait a minute - the beatniks are alive and well. I know, we live in the Melrose District. |
If I can get out to a few more exhibits around town I'll upload more photos. Very interesting stuff and great inspiration for my new tattoo.
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