Garland will host its annual Dia de los Muertos celebration Tuesday, Nov. 1. One the area’s most anticipated observances of the day, the free family-friendly event will feature marigold and papel picado-bedecked altars and live music and dance performances. In addition, attendees will enjoy food trucks, an artisan market, children’s activities and
more.
What: Día De Los Muertos
When: Nov 01, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street in downtown Garland
What is the Day of the Dead?
A time to celebrate the memory of loved ones who have passed away.
How long has this tradition been around?
It’s been around since the Spanish brought Catholicism to the Americas. It derives from All Souls Day, a Catholic feast day that celebrates all of the souls who have passed on who are believed to be saints (anyone who goes to heaven). Naturally, this tradition, mixed with existing customs in the Americas, is how we celebrate Día de los Muertos today.
What customs are observed?
Customarily people go to cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and clean up their graves or headstones and sometimes celebrate there. They meet up with other family members who also come to do the same. Another common practice, especially in Mexico, is to have an ofrenda, or offering, on an altar. This usually includes photographs of deceased loved ones, their favorite foods, decoration such as skeletons representing them and their profession, flowers, candles and incense.
Is it Mexico’s version of Halloween?
This is not Mexico’s version of Halloween even though in some ways it has the same roots. Halloween was originally All Hallows Eve, which is the day before All Souls Day. While Halloween centers around the spooky and scary, Dia de los Muertos centers around remembrance, family and community. Dia de los Muertos is much closer to Memorial Day in that there is a day, time, and place set aside each year to look back, to think about and remember those we have lost. It’s a time to get together to talk about them, the things they loved and share old stories and anecdotes.
Why are you celebrating death?
We celebrate the lives of the people who have died. It’s a more open approach to a topic that people in the United States associate with fear and sadness. Death waits for no man, and instead of fearing it, this celebration highlights a different aspect of grief, that loved ones are gone but still remembered.
Community and pet altars
The community and attendees are encouraged to bring a 4×6 picture to add to the community alters. Images need to be copies of a photo as they will not be returned. The altars will be displayed at the Granville Arts Center Nov. 1 – Nov 10.