Friday, October 26, 2012

Day of the Dead Celebration

Day of the Dead Festival

Atlanta's 4th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration
      Day of the Dead, called Dia de los Muertos in Spanish, is a Mexican holiday that falls on November 1 and 2 of each year. This holiday has spread in recent years from Mexico to America and beyond. It is now celebrated by Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, and countless others around the globe who feel a deep kinship with these two special days that honor the dead.

     Halloween may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean that all the celebrating is over. Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican celebration that remembers the life of family members and friends who have passed away. Altars are built in their honor, that include photos of the loved one, food they enjoyed, activities they participated in, and other special items. Everyone is welcome to participate in altar building for Atlanta Day of the Dead. This festival features traditional altars created by members of the community, live music and cultural performances, vendor booths offering free product samples, arts and crafts, and authentic Latino foods.


     Dia de los Muertos is a time of celebration. Although losing someone is undeniably a somber and life-changing event, Dia de los Muertos provides people with the opportunity to rejoice in the living memories of their loved ones. According to Aztec beliefs, if you cry for someone who's passed, they may slip and fall on your tears. The Dias de los Muertos serve as a positive affirmation of the cycle of life and death, allowing people to reconnect with the spirits of their loved ones on the Other Side.
Traditional Alter

Sugar Skull Paintings


Traditional altar elements include:
  • Table with colorful tablecloth
  • A backdrop (usually an arch representing the transition to the afterlife)
  • Photos of ancestors, loved ones,
  • Candles
  • Incense
  • Food (Fruit and traditional Mexican pastries are the most popular)
  • Flowers (fresh or plastic)
  • Sugar Skulls (difficult to find outside of diverse cities, but here is a link to make your own!)
 
Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta
What: Atlanta Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos)
When: November 2nd, 2013
Where: Atlantic Station
Time: 12PM – 5PM
Admission: FREE
 


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