The United States – Mexico Cultural and Education Foundation In conjunction with Toyota Music Factory will set up a traditional Mexican Ofrenda at the Texas Lottery Plaza in Las Colinas-Irving, Texas in celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on October 31, 2020. The event will feature both virtual and in-person events to educate and entertain viewers on the rich tradition of Día de los Muertos.
What is Day of the Dead?
Day of the Dead celebrates one of Mexico’s most widespread traditions, in which the living honor the dead both to help them into the afterlife and encourage them to visit the world of the living for one evening. While the idea of celebrating death may seem morbid, in Mexico, it is seen as a celebration of a new life. During this time, families will commemorate their loved ones by placing personal items, drinks, flowers, food and candles out to help guide the departed back home. We would like to share this cultural expression with people in North Texas and will set up an Ofrenda that will be open to the public in honor of loved ones and community members that have been lost due to COVID-19.
The USMCEF is prepared to follow all health and safety guidelines for the display of the Ofrenda and make a virtual visit available on social media.
La Catrina Online Photography Contest
One of the most recognized characters associated with Day of the Dead is La Catrina. The character of La Catrina was created by political cartoonist Jose Guadalupe Posada in 1910 and was seen as an elegant upper-class skeleton. During this period, she intended to make a statement on social class division and mortality in Mexico. Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican artist, took the icon and created one of Mexico’s most notable works of art, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Centra. La Catrina captivated the country and soon was known as the symbol of Día de los Muertos. In modern times, you can see her represented through face paint, placed on altars and involved in art. As part of the virtual events, Las Colinas Day of the Dead Fest/Festival de Día de Muertos will have a Catrina Photography Contest where local professional and novice photographers can enter their photos in with a chance to win amazing prizes.
“La Calavera Catrina” by José Guadalupe Posada
The rules to enter are available at toyotamusicfactory.com. The general public will be invited to vote on their favorite photo and then the ten most popular pictures will be judged by a panel for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize.
The period for submitting photos starts October 19th and closes November 15th at 5:00 pm. Winners will be announced on November 18, 2020 via the Las Colinas Day of the Dead Fest website.
