18th Annual
Dia de los Muertos
Thursday, October 25, 2012
6:30 pm: Meet at the northeast corner of Solano Ave & The Alameda where we will be led the Cuatli Mitotiani Mexica Aztec Dance Group
7:00 pm: Procession arrives at the Community Altar at Gathering Tribes
(Feel free to join us at any time, at either place)
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an indigenous tradition from the south that has occurred for thousands of years. With the introduction of Catholicism, it was adopted by the Church and made in to "All Saints Day" which occurs on November 1 & 2. Traditionally, it was celebrated for as long as a couple of months during the late summer and autumn. The indigenous tradition arises out of the belief that the world we experience while alive is the "dream world", and, our true lives don't begin until after death. Thus, the folk art that makes fun of how seriously we take life. The tradition has become a time when we remember our beloved departed with processions, public and private altars, and ceremonies.
During this time, we create altars to feed the dead their favorite foods and beverages, light candles in their honor, and write memorials to let them know we remember. Since 1994, Pennie Opal Plant, owner of Gathering Tribes, has created a community altar for all of those who wish to participate. This year, the altar will go up on Sunday, October 21st and be taken down at the end of the day on Sunday, October 28. Instructions on how to create your own altar are available for free at Gathering Tribes.
The Procession: You are welcome to bring candles, photos of your beloved departed, drums, rattles, Dia de los Muertos themed banners, etc.
The Community Altar: You are welcome to bring copies of photographs of your beloved departed, their favorite food & beverages, candles, flowers, etc.