El Salvador / Guatemala / Hola Cultura / Indigenous / Mexico / Special Issue

Muertos Week: Events around town

By hola | Published October 31, 2013 | 4 Comments

The time is here, exhibitions and events are coming to Washington, D.C., to commemorate El Dia de los Muertos.

The Day of The Dead is a twist on the All Saints and All Souls days. It is primarily celebrated in Mexico and Central America, where the Catholic holidays were transformed when they came into contact with indigenous rites observed by the Aztecs, Mayas and all the way back to at least the ancient Olmecs.* Families and friends come together at the gravesides of their loved ones to pray for, remember, and party with the dead. It’s not Halloween but it ain’t no sad affair either! People laugh, cry, dance, and sing. Just as Mesoamerica reflects a blending of Indigenous and Spanish influences, the Day of the Dead walks the line between solemnity and celebration.

Each year, several places around the Washington area display Day of the Dead ofrendas and hold art and community shows. Among them in the Arlington Arts Center, which opens an exhibition Nov. 1 that pays tribute to the Mexican Revolutionary era artist José-Guadalupe Posada, whose “La Catrina” and other animated skeletons have influenced how artists—and indeed the world—image the Day of the Dead.

“The main goal of this exhibition is to make it the most authentic Mexican holiday as possible from the Mariachi bands to the traditional dances,” artist David Amoroso, who helped organize the AAC show.

Here’s a roundup of Day of the Dead festivities:

Día de los Muertos

A holiday celebration with a night of tradition, art, and culture. The local artists participating in the show include David Amoroso, Dana Ellyn, Ric Garcia, Jeannette Herrera, Nicolas de Jesus, Carlos Lara, Ivan Mendizabal Nuffio, Claudia Olivos, Sergio Olivos, Orlando Sanchez, Matt Sesow, and Gloria “Tarasca”Valdés.

*See our virtual galeria/gallery exhibition of work by some of the ACC artists

NOT HAPPENING THIS YEAR: Día de los Muertos: The Art of Remembrance Costume & Dance Party

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria hosts its fourth annual Day of the Dead party featuring live music by The Torches, artist-made Día de los Muertos altars, and a costume and dance party. The dance party will also include a costume contest and refreshments. Tickets for the event cost $15, $20 at the door, and $35 for two people. There are also student tickets available for $10 with a student ID. To reserve advance tickets, call 703-838-4565 or email events@torpedofactory.org. There will also be an exhibition of the Día de los Muertos altars from Oct. 29- Nov. 4.

Altar for the Day of the Dead at the Mexican Cultural Institute

The Mexican Cultural Institute’s well-known, annual Day of the Dead Altar will take place on Nov. 2 and will honor the late Juan García de Oteyza, former director of the Institute who recently passed away. The event will feature pan de muertos and  Mexican hot chocolate. In addition to the special event on Nov. 2, the altar will remain open during regular hours until Nov. 8. Free but you must RSVP.

Festival del Día de los Muertos en Lamont Park de Mount Pleasant

Venga con Radio CPR al festival del Día de los Muertos en Lamont Park de Mount Pleasant. Entre las festividades habrá música, poesía, actuación, talleres de beatmaking y manualidades. No falte a la procesión para lanzar el evento a las 3:45 pm encabezada por Paso Nuevo, el grupo juvenil del Teatro Hispano Gala, y representación teatral y poesía bilingüe por Quique Aviles y Alina Collins. /// Community Radio CPR hosts a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival in Mt. Pleasant. Festivities include music, poetry, performances, beat-making workshop and arts and crafts. Don’t miss the Kick-Off Procession at 3:45 pm lead by Paso Nuevo, GALA Hispanic Theatre’s youth group and a bilingual theater performances & poetry by Quique Aviles and Alina Collins.

-Camila DeChalus

Know of other Day of the Dead events around town? Email us: holacultura@gmail.com or comment below.

* Story updated on 10/31 to reflect the concerns of a reader who felt we hadn’t given enough credit to the indigenous roots of the day.

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