The origins of the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos—or Day of the Dead—can be traced back to indigenous Aztec cultures, which honored the lives of deceased ancestors with rituals and celebrations. The holiday, which once took place in the ninth month of the Aztec solar calendar, is now generally observed on Nov. 2, coinciding with the Catholic All Saints’ Day.
You’ll find the traditional sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and ofrenda, meaning offering or altar, all over town, starting with ARTS Space Obispo, located in the San Luis Obispo Creamery (570 Higuera St., suite 165). Come for a Mexican market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 29, and live music by Café 7, traditional food, and a bilingual poetry reading by Enedina Castañeda on Oct. 30, kicking off at 11 a.m.
The Gallery at the Network honors the Latin American holiday with a special display by artist Richard Jordan, exhibiting now through Nov. 2. Jordan’s mini sculptures and jewelry can be seen daily at 778 Higuera St. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays it’s open until 8 p.m., but Sundays it’s only open until 5 p.m.
Nipomo’s Dana Adobe, located at 671 S. Oakglen Ave., will hold its inaugural celebration of the Mexican holiday on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m., complete with a showing of sugar skulls, the making of ofrendas, and a piñata-making station for children. Guest speaker Helen Daurio will share the holiday’s history and folklore at this free event. More information is available at danaadobe.org, or by calling 929-5679.
Hospice of San Luis Obispo County invites you to join in welcoming the spirits of loved ones and friends on Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bring your loved ones’ pictures, favorite food or drinks, candles, and flowers to this colorful, reverent, festive event at 1304 Pacific St. in San Luis Obispo. Call Lidia at 544-2266 for more information.
The little piano at Linnaea’s Café will transform into a colorful ofrenda from Friday, Oct. 29, to Tuesday, Nov. 2. Located at 1010 Garden St., the downtown café will celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed on, with vibrant photos, flowers, and artwork. Don’t miss it.
This article appears in Oct 28 – Nov 4, 2010.