Where to celebrate Day of the Dead in Eugene and Springfield
As Americans wrap up their Halloween weekend celebrations, households around the world are preparing to honor a tradition that dates back to the Aztec empire in Mexico.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time for families to honor their departed family members and loved ones. Altars, known as ofrendas, are carefully set up either at cemeteries or at home. They are decorated with candles, sugar skulls, paper flowers and garlands. Photos of loved ones are framed and their favorite meals and drinks are left out in offering in hopes that their spirits will be encouraged to visit and celebrate.
Traditionally, Nov. 1 is dedicated to those who died young while Nov. 2 is the day to remember adults.
In Mexico, the holiday is celebrated with large and colorful parades and festivals. Different regions in Mexico may add their own traditions to the holiday with different flowers or elements.
There are some local celebrations where you can honor the holiday:
Día de los Muertos Exhibit
The Maude Kerns Art Center, 1910 E. 15th Ave., celebrates the 29th annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit with artwork, community altars, and a special Día de los Muertos Gift Shop. The exhibit, open through Friday, can be viewed in person or www.mkartcenter.org
41st Annual Día de Los Muertos Celebration
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Oak Hill School, MEChA de UO, Division of Equity and Inclusion UO, and Adelante Sí are hosting their 41st annual celebration of el Día de los Muertos on Tuesday and Wednesday. Celebrations include a streamed musical performance by Alma de Cuerdas de Oaxaca, dancing by Familia Lara Stephens and Ballet Folklórico Colibrí, and an art exhibition by Grabadores Guanajuatenses. There is also a children’s art workshop led by artist Raymundo González Nieto and Hannah Bastian. At 5:30 p.m. each day, there will be a procession beginning in front of Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 1430 Johnson Lane, on the University of Oregon campus.
Día de los Muertos Saw Dust Mural
Artists César Abarca and Lilia Valencia will be creating a sawdust mural from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on the Fountain Plaza in front of Springfield City Hall and Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St. Community can come and assist the artists on a drop-in basis. At 4 p.m. there will be a dedication ceremony and dancing on the mural.
Día de los Muertos Procession
Starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, an afternoon of remembrance and celebration with a 5 p.m. procession in downtown from Springfield City Hall, 225 5th St., to the Springfield History Museum, 590 Main St., featuring live music, a dedication of a saw dust mural, a traditional dance and a Community Ofrenda/Altar.
'Fiesta de la Vida, the Day of the Dead in Mexico'
Opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for this exhibition, featuring photographers Maricela Figueroa Zamilpa and Guillermo Reza, shows scenes from the intimacy of homes to flowery cemeteries, markets, cultivation fields of ancestral flowers, and celebrations through the streets of Mexico. Reception includes music by Mariachi Monumental, tamales, traditional bread, chocolate and sugar skulls. 1004 Willamette St., Eugene
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Day of the Dead: Día de los Muertos events in Eugene area
