I went to Dia de los Muertos at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver this past Saturday afternoon. This is a traditional Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones and is very popular here in Denver. This particular celebration was sponsored by the Denver Botanic Garden, and featured a community alter, art installations, live music, dance, Mexican and Latin American food trucks, and a marketplace with booths selling all manner of items, such as the one in the photograph on the left. There were a lot of people at this festival, which kind of surprised me, since it was a cold day with a nasty wind. Denver festival goers are nothing if not a hardy lot.
There were a number of Calacas (Spanish for skeletons) and Catrinas (female skeletons) on display at this event, which are the symbol of Mexico's Dia de los Muertos celebrations, two of which can be seen in the photograph on the right. Some of the works on display were from the collection of the Museo de los Americas, located in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe, and others were from the collection of the Denver Botanic Garden. My favorite Dia de los Muertos celebration takes place in November during the First Friday Art Walk on Denver's Santa Fe Boulevard. In addition to Calavera face-painting stations, artist made alters, and dance and music performances throughout the district, there is a procession from 7:00 to 8:00 which includes many people dressed as Calacas and Catrinas, which makes for great photo opportunities. Unfortunately, I will be out of town, or I would be there with camera ready. Hopefully many of you readers can make it there that night (Friday, November 6th). It is definitely worth it.
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