Dead Center

Centuries ago, the Aztecs celebrated their dead for an entire month during the summer; the festivities were overseen by their goddess of the dead, Mictlantecutli, who was often depicted with a skull-like face. When the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, their Catholic sensibilities merged the Aztec tradition with All Souls’ Day. Thus was born El Día de los Muertos, a five-day festival during which participants celebrate, remember and pray for the souls of their dearly departed. Different regions in Mexico celebrate the holiday in slightly different ways, but there are some basics that transcend geography. Elaborate altars are built to welcome spirits home; graves are tended; vigils are held; calaveras (skeletons) are used liberally as decorations and symbols; and traditional foods are eaten, including sugar skulls and pan de muertos (bread of the dead). While components of the Mexican celebration have trickled upward into the United States, some aspects of Halloween have made their way into Mexico. But where Halloween is focused on the more scary aspects of death, El Día de los Muertos is a true celebration of lives come and gone.

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Intrigued? Head to the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, 772 Santa Fe Drive, tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. for the opening reception of CHAC’s Día de los Muertos group exhibit. On top of the Muertos-related altars, art and merchandise, there will also be Aztec dancers, traditional pan de muertos and Mexican hot chocolate. If you can’t make tonight’s reception, you can stop by to admire the beautiful artwork through November 8. For information, call 303-571-0440 or visit www.chacweb.org.
Fri., Oct. 24, 6-10 p.m., 2008