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Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
The 2011 celebration will be held on Friday, November 4th, 2011
at The Community Arts Center
(the Old Rec Center) in Downtown Truckee
Join the Family Resource Center of Truckee for our 4th Annual Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Celebration. Enjoy food, entertainment, artistic displays, arts and crafts for kids, and an exciting raffle with a selection of prizes.
This community wide event is open to all and will feature activities for the whole family. There will be food to purchase, bouncy houses to jump in, and prizes to be won.
All proceeds benefit the Family Resource Center of Truckee and our mission to promote social and economic success in our community by providing education, mobilizing resources, and advocating for change.
Mexico is a country which interlaces indigenous roots with modern society. From October 31st to November 2nd this mystical country is transformed in order to honor their beloved departed ancestors. Cemeteries are arranged with thousands of flowers, altars decorated, and favorite foods and breads prepared with tender love and care.
- How often do we think about our dearly departed?
- How often do we talk about them with our loved ones?
- What is it about death that keeps our feelings hidden and our thoughts at bay?
- From time immemorial, Mexicans have traditionally honored their beloved dead in a celebratory way. Altars are thoughtfully assembled with mementos, photos, special bread (pan de los muertos) and other food commonly enjoyed by the honored deceased (Ofrendas); candles and flowers are generously placed and lit.
- Sugar skulls are made and decorated as well in bright colors and festive designs. This custom is rooted in ancient Aztec and other pre-Hispanic peoples who believed skulls symbolized death and rebirth. Unlike their European counterparts who would later change their history, these people believed death was a continuation of life which was simply a dream from which one would wake upon dying.
- While each region of Mexico does have its own particular traditions, the entire country is awash with light and remembrance.
- After the Spanish invasion, the stories and traditions began to include the Christian beliefs bestowed upon them; crosses, cemeteries, masses and the well known All Souls/All Saints Day. Despite its evolving history, the beauty and influence of this tradition remain today.
All money raised during this event from the sale of food and crafts goes directly to the FRCoT Emergency Fund to help families during economic crisis.
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