Celebrating Día de los Muertos

A four-week Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) workshop at Puente began on Tuesday, October 11 and will end with a display and community altar at the Pescadero Grown Farmer's Market on November 3.

Día de los Muertos is a holiday which focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.

It is particularly important in Mexico, where it is celebrated at the level of a national holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).

Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls and marigolds, along with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Family members and loved ones visit the graves of the departed with these items as gifts.

The workshop is led by Puente staff member/artist Alejandra Resendiz at the organization's Learning Center. A special program led by Puente staff member Norma Zavala is provided for children. All participants are encouraged to bring remembrances of loved ones to include in their altars. 

The program is funded by the San Francisco Foundation Faiths Project.

Upcoming Half Moon Bay celebration on Oct. 27 and 28: Don't miss celebrating Día de los Muertos at the (620 Correas Street), when school children will enjoy a program during the day on Oct. 27, and the larger community is invited to a public celebration at the library in the evening on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Armando Ramirez at 650.726.2316 ext. 231.

For Half Moon Bay Patch's article and photos about last year's local celebration, click .

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