Since large gatherings and events are not currently possible, the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center is inviting the community to share pictures or videos of their homebuilt ofrendas on Nov. 1 and 2.
The community is being asked to use #LifeinDeathWinchester while displaying offerings to their loved ones on social media.
In the Mexican tradition, families and other groups build beautiful ofrendas (altars), glowing with candlelight, that are covered with the food, drink and other objects loved by the deceased, while alive, in order to lure them back for a visit.
The ofrendas are elaborate works of art -- beautiful, detailed and sometimes large in size.
The Life in Death Festival is scheduled to resume on Nov. 1 and 2, 2021.
It will feature performances on stage each day with Mexican dance troupes and readings of “calaveras,” or “skulls.” These are usually humorous poems, written “in memory” of people who are still alive. They treat the menace of death with good-natured humor. People may also participate in the Day of the Dead art exhibit.
Artists are advised to learn Day of the Dead traditions; which honor the dead, but also confront death itself, often with a humorous attitude. Meanwhile, dance, music and humorous poetry remind us that death helps define life and should not be feared.
Those interested may contact the Winchester Cultural Center at (702) 455-7340 or visit the website.
