Honoring loved ones at Dia de los Muertos

Events somber and celebratory will fill the Plaza in Mesilla Friday through Sunday, Oct. 27-29, for Dia de los Muertos, the annual celebration of departed friends and family.

Many will create ofrendas, the traditional altars in memory of loved ones that feature elements unique to that person’s life.

“People can put them up all day Friday and Saturday,” said Peggy King of the Calavera Coalition, the nonprofit organization that hosts the event. “The space on the plaza is first-come, first-served, but we usually have enough room.”

The ofrendas vary greatly in size and scope, but all are created with love, King said.

Thursday, Nov. 2, will be the procession from the Plaza to the cemetery in Mesilla, where participants take a walk of a few blocks bearing provided candles.

“We will proceed to the Mesilla Cemetery,” King said. “It’s a moment of quiet time. We’ll have some Aztec dancers joining in and they will do a spiritual blessing. Then we’ll return to the Plaza and serve pan de muerto and coffee.”

As to what to wear or do during the procession, King said, “You can do anything and it’s not wrong.”

Here’s a rundown of events.

Friday:

• Vendor booths will be mostly set up by 2 p.m. Friday, ofrendas can be put up all day Friday and Saturday)
• The movie “Coco,” an animated Disney film with a Dia de los Muertos theme, will show at 7 p.m. on a screen on outside of the plaza gazebo. There are bleachers, but organizers recommend bringing chairs.
• There will be lots of activities for children, in conjunction with Head Start.

Saturday:

• Events begin at 10 a.m., including folklorico dancers from El Paso and Aztec dancers in the afternoon.
• Those interested in renewing their wedding vows can participate in a full group wedding at 7 p.m. on the Plaza.

Sunday:

• Booths open at 10 a.m.
• Entertainment begins at noon, including the Kicks Band and more folklorico dancers.

Thursday, Nov. 2:

• For the procession walk to the cemetery, participants should be parked and on the Plaza by 6:30 p.m. The procession will leave the Plaza at 6:45 p.m. Candles will be provided.

There will be a food drive throughout the events, with food donated to Casa de Peregrinos. King said there will be a special spot at the north end of the Plaza to place your food items. There will also be funds raised for Action Programs for Animals, and proceeds from T-shirt sales will go to the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.

The event will also include live music, food and vendors.

There is no charge to attend.

Dia de los Muertos (“The Day of the Dead”) is traditionally celebrated Oct. 31 (All Hallows' Eve), Nov. 1 (All Saints' Day) and Nov. 2 (All Souls' Day).

For more information, contact Calavera Coalition at calaveracoalition@gmail.com.