Sugar (Skulls) and Spice

"Most people have come to realize that it doesn’t matter where you come from — everyone can honor their ancestors," says Longmont Museum education curator Jill Overlie, who believes that the museum’s traditional Día de los Muertos Celebration has mass appeal.

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• Longmont Museum
• Jerry Vigil
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The family-friendly event centers around the museum's current art exhibition, on display through November 15, which features an altar by muertos artist Jerry Vigil, along with altars created by members of the community. There are also colorful hanging papel picado punched-paper flags made by locals and a display of memory cards written by museum visitors to loved ones over the past seven years; these are hung on the arch of compassion, and visitors can add their own today.

Aztec and folk dancers and traditional musicians will perform throughout the festivities, which run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “People can decorate a sugar skull, make paper flowers, get a free Day of the Dead tattoo, and, of course, there's the entertainment, the exhibit and the food," Overlie says. "We'll have food for people to taste, including homemade rice and beans, homemade chicken mole and pan de muertos.”

The celebration, including the food, is free to the community. The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center is located at 400 Quail Road in Longmont; call 303-651-8374 or visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/museum for more information.
Sat., Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2009