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Did you know that there are still people living among us who think Día de los Muertos is just a Mexican version of Halloween? Recognized as the time when the border between the spirit realm and the real world dissolve to allow souls of the dead to return so they can eat, drink and dance the night away with their loved ones, Día de los Muertos is seen as a time of celebration and sometimes retribution.
To prepare for these visitations, family members build ofrendas, or altars, in their homes or public spaces decorated with candles, flowers, personal items and favorite foods. There’s very little candy involved, and it’s the adults who wear the elaborately decorated costumes, not the kids.
Those who follow these traditions take the ceremonies very seriously. The Calavera Coalition keeps the traditions alive on the Mesilla Plaza every year, during the first weekend in November. What started almost three decades ago has grown to become the largest regional Day of the Dead festival in New Mexico. It is not, however, the only event taking place in the Las Cruces metro area this year.
“Day of the Dead is something that is very personal to a lot of people, including me,” said Maria Lupe Hernandez-Muñiz, the organizer of Día de los Muertos: Arte, Música y Cultura, the latest addition to the city’s event schedule. “The Mesilla festival is such a beautiful event, I wanted to add onto it. We’re not looking to replace it, or make people choose. By all means, go to both! We want to keep growing this event in the community, as an extension of the original.”
To allow this to happen, the Las Cruces celebration will begin at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, and run until 11 p.m., at the Grapevine Plaza, 3900 W. Picacho Ave. The Mesilla celebration runs for three days on the Mesilla Plaza on Calle Principal, starting at 2-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3. Both will feature live musical and dance performances, art vendors and community ofrendas.
As an added treat, the newly opened Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site will present a mini exhibit in the Reynolds Visitor Center called “Spirit Crossing,” that focuses on the traditions of the holiday by explaining the symbolism and meaning of what visitors might see in the community altars set up around the Mesilla Plaza. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday.
For many in Mesilla, the highlight of their celebration is the candlelight procession from the Plaza to Mesilla Cemetery at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday. It is a solemn but joyous parade, complete with beautiful costumes and intricate make up. For the Las Cruces event there will be a juried art show with cash prizes.
“One of the things I really wanted to be sure of is that, not only is this a cultural event, but also an opportunity for economic impact,” Hernandez-Muñiz said. “So not only are we having cash prizes for our juried artists, but also for our community altars, as well. That will be determined by community voting. I thought it was very important to add that element.”
In Mesilla, in addition to the traditional fare, there will be a free movie on the Plaza, 7 p.m., Friday. Last year’s presentation of “Coco” was such a success that, this year, they’re doing it again by screening “Book of Life.” Performers will include Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol, Aztec Dancers and local bands. In Las Cruces, the acts include Blanca Ruiz, Satisfyed and DJ Topo Chico spinning cumbias. Both are family-friendly.
“The idea behind our event was to make sure we honor our rich traditions, but also offer a fresh perspective to appeal to our younger generations,” Hernandez-Muñiz said. “We want people to bring their children. That’s where it all starts. That’s how they get introduced to our wonderful culture and traditions and, hopefully, continue them as they get older.”
Both events are free of charge, except of course for food and drinks, as well as any vendor merchandise that catches your eye. The only difference is that the Las Cruces event is already out of tickets. Not to worry, however, as an onsite registration will be set up for latecomers. “Even if you didn’t get an early ticket, stop by anyway,” said Hernandez-Muñiz. “There will be room for you.”
Which means there are now two viable options available to make the argument against viewing this most sacred of holidays as just another seasonal gimmick. Whether you take part in one or both, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find yourself thinking about and celebrating those you’ve lost, all the while knowing there’s an entire community that shares in your celebrations. And that, dear friends, is what Día de los Muertos is all about.