Dia De Los Muertos: Albuquerque's South Broadway Cultural Center

Festival: November 2, 2008; 2-6pm

Altar and Artwork display: All of November 2008

The South Broadway cultural center in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico is having its annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Día de los Muertos translates to "Day of the Dead" in English. It is a celebration that brings together both Catholic and Aztec religious and cultural traditions. The tradition originates in Mexico and since this land was once a part of Mexico, it is indigenous to our area as well. Día de los Muertos always takes place on the first of November, or the day after Halloween. South Broadway Cultural Center tries to coincide their celebration date with November 1^st but this year it will be on November 2^nd.

Día de los Muertos honors the dead that have passed on. The main way loved ones honor their dead is by creating altars in their memory. The altars are brightly and festively decorated with mementos of the person it is in honor of. Skeletons are an icon widely associated with this day and you will see skeletons often displayed on the altars as well. Some may be dancing, others may be a Mariachi player, or even crying. This is an accurate reflection of what this day represents. On one end we are sad that our loved one is gone, and on the other side we are celebrating this day and inviting the dead to dance with us, feast with us and celebrate as well. Food and alcohol is commonly left on altars for that person as well.

South Broadway Cultural Center will be having a festival on Sunday, November 2^nd, starting at 2pm. It is the bringing together of local artists with community members to honor our ancestors and connect with our community. In the artist gallery you will find about 20 altars created by local community members. The main purpose is to give people a chance to display their altar but also gives an incentive of prizes to certain individuals. Along the walls you will see many pieces of art, often large pieces, also made by local artists and most are for sale. Most of these artists will be attending the reception if you'd like to speak with them about their work.

Refreshments will be served and often are of Mexican origin as well. In the auditorium will be performances all night. The performing artists are also local talent so please support them by attending the shows. The entire night is completely free and no RSVP is required. If you cannot make it this night, be sure to stop by in the next few weeks before the end of November in order to check out the beautiful altars and art pieces. If you are new to El Día de los Muertos, you are in for a wonderful treat. Children, adults, and families are all invited.