News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Day of the Dead’

University of Arizona Press authors from across the nation earn acclaim at 2008 International Latino Book Awards

Since 1999 the nonprofit organization Latino Literacy Now has honored the many positive contributions being made to Latino literature by publishers and writers worldwide through its annual International Latino Book Awards competition. Attracting nominations from publishers across the United States as well as Mexico, South and Central America, and Spain, this competition highlights titles that exemplify literary excellence within the Latino community. Presented at BookExpo America, this year’s awards honored titles running the gamut of subjects from murders of innocent women in Juárez to the history of the Day of the Dead. Four University of Arizona Press titles were recognized as vital contributions to Latino history and culture.”*

Nestlé’s Wonka Arte Day of the Dead program just reeled in its sixth industry award.  The Association for Women in Communications handed out two Proliner Awards to the Bromley Communications campaign last night at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel. The Wonka promotion was a winner in both the Marketing and Public Relations categories.

Earlier this year, the Wonka Artecampaign won two Silver Spurs at the Texas Public Relations Association (TPRA) annual conference in San Antonio. The innovative youth-oriented Wonka program won top honors in both the multicultural and marketing PR categories.  Only one other campaign, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2007, was recognized with two Silver Spurs.

Gilberto Gutierrez, Wonka marketing associate, presented the Wonka Arte case study as part of TPRA’s professional development seminars held at the statewide conference.  “Wonka is all about self expression which is also what Day of the Dead is about,” he said. “It’s about honoring culture and tradition, but keeping it fun and relevant to youth.”

A fifth Public Relations industry recognition was bestowed at the Sixth Annual Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Del Oro Awards Banquet.  Bromley’s PR campaign for Wonka won the highest award, La Plata, for one of the best campaigns conducted by a San Antonio-based PR team.  The Del Oro Awards follow the same goals, mission and guidelines of the national PRSA awards.  Stellar campaigns must exhibit extraordinary research, preparation, execution and results.

On the Promotions front, the program won a Silver award in the multicultural category at the national REGGIE awards ceremony held at the Promotion Marketing Association (PMA) Annual Integrated Marketing Conference in Chicago.  The REGGIEs are dedicated to recognizing superior thinking, creativity, execution and results across the entire spectrum of promotion and integrated marketing.

Bromley Communications initiated Wonka Arte in 2005 as a community relations program for Hispanic tweens in southern California. The pilot program won two Silver Spurs that year, among other industry accolades. In 2007, Wonka Arte evolved to focus on creativity unveiled through Day of the Dead altar building and skull decorating.  The program expanded to include an online component to reach tweens nationwide as well as a retail extension.

In 1990, the political profile of Hispanics in Harris County was nearly as slim as a Day of the Dead skeleton figure. Latino registered voters numbered about 100,000. Hispanic membership on the Houston City Council was stuck at one. The state Senate and U.S. House contained no Hispanics from here.

As the babies born then turn old enough to vote in this year’s November election, politics in the Houston area has a much deeper Hispanic tinge. Hispanics on the voter rolls have nearly tripled in the passing of a generation; the number of Hispanic lawmakers from here is inching upward. The Democratic Party, if it captures county judgeships and government positions for the first time in 14 years, will owe much to a stimulated Hispanic vote and Hispanic candidates, such as Houston councilman Adrian Garcia, who is running for sheriff.”*

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors the dead through colorful expressions in art, costumes, music, food, dance, and drink. It’s an important annual event culminating in “una fiesta en el cementerio” (a party in the cemetery.)

Among the cultures of Mexico–where the tradition originated–this observance has ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican roots, and is a national holiday. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated to a lesser extent in other Latin American countries; for example, it is a public holiday in Brazil–where many celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. This holiday is also observed in the Philippines. Observance of this ancient tradition has spread to Mexican-American communities in the United States as well. Similarly themed celebrations also appear in some Asian and African cultures.”*

*From: http://www.nyartsmagazine.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Al Borde celebrated the Day of the Dead with its third annual Día de los Muertos Music and Arts Fest last Friday, November 2nd, in East Los Angeles’s El Gallo Plaza – the famed cultural café better known among locals for its former longstanding operation as a mortuary.

In spite of several other Day of the Dead events concurrently taking place, hundreds of fans came to show their support for Al Borde — who also secured a live performance by none other than LA’s Very Be Careful who added a kick to the already festive cultural celebration.

Fernando Reyes was the winner of Al Borde’s art contest, beating out more than 15 contestants to receive exclusive coverage in Al Borde, as well as his very own exhibit at the famed Casita del Pueblo Art Gallery in Uptown Whittier. The unique art festival also consisted of Day of the Dead altars whose connotations spoke volumes, ranging from political to personal, and of course artistic. The winner was The National Foundation of Independent Artists, who received $500 cash.

“We think the great turnout at our event is largely due to Al Borde’s commitment to our community and supporting the arts, not to mention the free tamales, hot chocolate, and coffee we provide for all who attend year after year,” affirmed Adriana Hernandez-Fernandez, Sr. Manager of Events and Promotions, and creator of Al Borde’s Día de los Muertos event. “There are not many opportunities for local artists in our community to publicly display their work, and Al Borde is thrilled to be that platform.”

The US Army, Wells Fargo, Casita del Pueblo, Monster Energy, Manzanita Sol and El Clasificado are this year’s proud sponsors who joined Al Borde in their unique cultural celebration.

Al Borde’s “Día de los Muertos” Concert and Arts Festival is a community-oriented celebration of music and culture. Community groups and local artists are invited to submit an original work of art for the Day of the Dead-themed art and altar contests, for a chance to win $500 and a personalized art exhibition. Every year a surprise musical guest chosen from the Latin Alternative rock music scene is invited for a special performance.

Al Borde (www.alborde.com) is a free bi-weekly publication that reaches young and trend-setting 18- to 34-year-old Hispanics. The publication is owned and published by El Clasificado – an Hispanic Business 500 and Inc 5,000 multimedia company – and is rapidly becoming a leading Latin Alternative multiplatform company that offers advertising opportunities through sponsored events, section sponsorships, street team promotions, web sites, and mobile services. Since it was founded in 1997, Al Borde has maintained a high standard in design and content quality, and was named “Best of Show” this year by the Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP).

For photos or additional information, please contact Maria Elena Aguilar. “*

The living coaxed the dead back to life Sunday through stories, in art and with music during the annual Dia de los Muertos festivities in Canoga Park’s historic art district.

Thousands walked down several blocks of Sherman Way, where Aztec dancers decked in feathered crowns and rattling ankle bracelets greeted observers with their rhythmic moves. Aromatic foods and whimsical crafts inspired by Mexico’s enduring tradition lured event-goers eager to take part in the spirited celebration.

For many who participated, the Day of the Dead is a chance to share stories about their dearly departed, of sons and daughters who died too soon, a mother or a father who lived life to the fullest, or an artist or celebrity whose talents will always be remembered.”*

ADVISORY for Friday, November 2

WHO:
Al Borde, a publication founded in 1997 with the purpose of keeping young Hispanic readers up to date on the news and information pertaining to the local Latin alternative music and entertainment scene, presents third annual Day of the Dead-inspired event.

WHAT:
“Día de los Muertos” Music and Arts Festival. Al Borde invites local artists to submit their own Day of the Dead-inspired artwork in a contest for the chance to win their own art exhibit, as well as exposure in Al Borde. There will also be a Day of the Dead altar contest featuring the creations of local community groups, and a musical performance by Very Be Careful.

WHERE:
El Gallo Plaza
4545 E. Cesar Chavez Ave.
East Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 263-4545
Free parking is available in lot on the corner of Ford Blvd. and Cesar E. Chavez Ave.

WHEN:
Friday, November 2, 2007
6:00pm – 10:00pm
7:45pm: Sponsor Recognition
8:00pm: Altar and Art Contest Winners Announced
8:45pm – 9:45pm: Live performance by Very Be Careful

Photo opps with band will be available. Please coordinate in advance with María Elena Aguilar

WHY:
Al Borde hopes to enrich the community it reaches by promoting art awareness and appreciation in this local, cultural celebration. Taking advantage of Día de los Muertos, a holiday celebrated throughout Latin America in early November to honor departed loved ones, Al Borde calls on local artists to draw on the holiday for inspiration to create a masterpiece. The publication will reward artists with their own art exhibit at “Casita del Pueblo” art gallery, and also feature the artist in a 1-page interview published in Al Borde after the event. “*

Mexico’s Roman Catholic church slammed Halloween as “damaging and against the faith” on Monday, and conservatives called on Mexicans to halt the steady encroachment of the gouls-and-goblins holiday and return to the country’s traditional Day of the Dead ceremonies.

The fast-encroaching U.S.-style holiday has made inroads in Mexico, with monster costumes almost as widely sold as the marigold flowers traditionally used to decorate relatives’ gravesides during the Nov. 1-2 Day of the Dead celebrations, when families erect altars and leave offerings of food, drink and flowers for the dearly departed.”*

Thousands turned out Sunday for the 12th annual Dia de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — Festival in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood.

The festival, which ran nine blocks along International Boulevard, served as a day to honor lost loved ones and celebrate Latino culture. The event featured everything from traditional Aztec dance and live music to taco stands.

The diverse crowd, mostly families, teemed through the nine block area, which was closed to traffic, and sampled the variety of goods and foods offered by some 150 exhibitors and vendors. Event sponsor The Unity Council anticipated 100,000 people in attendance form around the Bay Area.”*

It took one week, 46 100-pound bags of sand and a lot of careful stepping, but local artist Isaac Hernandez’s sand painting is ready for this weekend’s Mexican Day of the Dead celebration at Seattle Center.

Hernandez, who designed an altar to accompany the “Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico” exhibition in Seattle last year, has for five years designed a different sand painting for Seattle Center’s Day of the Dead celebration.”*

“This Dia de los Muertos, MOBIVOX is offering free calling to and from Mexico on November 2nd, helping Mexican communities around the world honor their roots and connect with their loved ones back home. Family around the world can now call their abuela in Mexico to get that special pan de muerto (”bread of the dead”) recipe or join in the singing of Bisabuelo’s favorite song.

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the ultimate celebration of the family bond. Families join together to celebrate and remember ancestors and to enjoy the company of family and friends. Rather than mourn the passing of loved ones, families celebrate the continuation of life and pay homage to their ancestors by listening to their favorite music, making their favorite foods, and sharing small gifts like “calaveras de azucar,” or yummy sugar skulls.

“MOBIVOX gives family and friends around the world the freedom to connect whenever they want, from wherever they are,” said Stephane Marceau, CEO of MOBIVOX. “It’s hard to be separated from those you love, especially during important celebrations of the family bond itself. Now families in Mexico and around the world are only a local call away.”

After registering for free at www.mobivox.com and uploading contacts, MOBIVOX members dial a local MOBIVOX number to connect with friends and family a world away. MOBIVOX has local numbers in cities around the world - including 16 major markets in Mexico.

Upon calling, members simply say the name of who they want to talk to - no need for a calling card and PIN numbers; computers, special software or complex downloads. Additionally, the calls can be placed from any phone - mobile or landline.

MOBIVOX is an international calling service that makes it possible to call friends and family around the world for free from ANY phone. Calls are free to over 40 destinations - including landline phones in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara - and members save up to 98% on all other international calls.

MOBIVOX is privately held company whose investors include: IDG Ventures Boston, IDG Venture Investment China, IDG Ventures Vietnam, Brightspark and Skypoint.

For more information, please visit www.mobivox.com/.

See how free calls between MOBIVOX users work at www.mobivox.com/help/FAQ/.

Promotional terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.mobivox.com/promos/muertos/ for details.”*

“Cleveland’s Day of the Dead celebration will live on this weekend after a near-death experience.

Celebrated first by the indigenous people of Mexico, the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a festive holiday in which the living honor and celebrate the lives of dead loved ones.

“The Day of the Dead is for everybody . . . to honor their ancestors,” said local artist Salvador Gonzalez. “It’s a new concept for the community here.”"*

“With more Hispanics living in the United States than ever before, Bimbo is increasing the amount of baked goods it will import for the 2007 holiday season. Authentic theme foods made in Mexico, Central and South America will be on store shelves nationwide for the next four months. Pan de Muerto, the “Day of the Dead” bread that coincides with Halloween, becomes available today, October 15, 2007.

“We have created a new design for Pan de Muerto and are particularly excited about sharing it with Mexicans this year,” said Juan Miguel Esaa, brand manager for Bimbo in the U.S.

Bimbo’s Pan de Muerto made its debut into the United States in 2005. In the last two years, the product has become a favorite among Hispanic consumers. Mexicans offer the sweet bread to deceased ancestors as part of a tradition dating back 2,500 years. This year, it will be available for approximately three weeks or until supplies last.

Hispanic consumers also report a growing demand for Christmas desserts made from their home land. As a result, Bimbo is increasing its import orders for fruit-filled Paneton which it introduced to the U.S. last year. The Christmas breads arrive November 5th and will stay for about 8 weeks. Throughout the holiday season, Bimbo will run a special promotion to thank consumers for their loyalty.

“Hispanic products will have an impressive presence in the marketplace this holiday season and Bimbo customers have played an integral role in making that happen,” said Esaa. “Consumers like our food and together we can maintain Hispanic integrity in America.”

Bimbo will end the holiday season with its Rosca de Reyes which will be on store shelves for approximately two weeks following Christmas.

About Bimbo
Bimbo is a subsidiary of Bimbo Bakeries USA. Bimbo Bakeries USA operates 13 bakeries and distributes top brands such as Mrs Baird’s, Oroweat, Thomas’, Entenmann’s, Francisco, Tia Rosa, Bimbo and Marinela. Bimbo Bakeries USA is headquartered in Fort Worth and is the U.S. Division of Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, one of the world’s largest baking companies with over 85,900 associates and operations in 17 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and China. Its stock has been trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange since 1980 under the ticker BIMBO. More information about Bimbo’s full line of products can be found at

“With less than a week remaining to “officially” celebrate this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, most in the Latino community know that the real celebration recognizing an important event of Hispanic culture is only just about to begin.

During the last part of October, Latino families prepare to honor their loved ones who have died. Here in the United States, we remember our dead on All Souls Day, but in Mexico it spans two days and has become known as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

On November 1, families remember the souls of the children who have passed on with cemetery rituals called Vigil of the Little Angels, and on November 2, the souls of the adults are honored.”

“During the month of October, Jack-o-lanterns, skeletons and broomsticks often adorn the doors and windows of homes, community centers, schools, museums and arts organizations. In the Mexican-American community, the décor is slightly different, more traditional and the meaning a lot more personal. One example is the Dí de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altars built in honor of departed relatives, musicians, artists, cultural heroes or leaders. These often feature the favorite belongings or legacy of the deceased, as well as sugar skulls and other sweets. While every altar is unique, all have the spirit of the festive holiday in mind: to celebrate the person’s life and contribution.

Who said that altars can’t adorn the online space? Wonka.com’s new interactive features allow kids to not only learn more about the Day of the Dead, but take their altar-building talents to the virtual world. Kids will be able to build altars online incorporating virtual WONKA(R) candy and representations of traditional components of Day of the Dead such as sugar skulls and cempasuchil (marigold) flowers.

“We understand the importance of the Day of the Dead holiday to Hispanic youth and their families,” said Elizabeth Vanemburg, marketing manager of WONKA. “We want to encourage kids to observe, learn more about the holiday and participate in the altar-building tradition on Wonka.com. No experience is necessary. All you need is a bit of imagination and access to a computer.”

Kids 16 and younger can submit their online altar for a chance to win a laptop computer, mp3 player and a $100 gift card to download music, as well as $120 toward Internet access. No purchase necessary. Must be legal US resident, 16 or younger. Visit www.Wonka.com for more details and official sweepstakes rules. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 11/4/2007.

About Dí de los Muertos
Day of the Dead is a Pre-Columbian holiday traditionally observed in Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2. The holiday focuses on honoring loved ones who have passed away by celebrating their lives. Homemade altars are made featuring items that brought happiness to the individual. Sugar skulls, candies, photographs, papel picado, candles, incense, and marigold flowers often decorate these altars. Today, altars have evolved to include celebrities, musicians, artists, and even pets.

About Nestlé
Named one of “America’s Most Admired Food Companies” in Fortune magazine for the tenth consecutive year, Nestlé USA provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. WONKA(R) fun treats include innovative, unusual, and unconventional candies: SWEETARTS(R) , NERDS(R) , RUNTS(R) , LAFFY TAFFY(R) , LIK-M-AID(R) FUN DIP(R) and more. From fun confections to nutritious meals Nestlé USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That’s what “Nestlé. Good Food, Good Life” is all about. Nestlé USA, with 2006 sales of $8.5 billion (includes Nestlé Nutrition), is part of Nestlé S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland ”” the world’s largest food company ”” with sales of $79 billion. For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com. “

“As part of its annual celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, Target is offering for a limited time a variety of unique Latino-designed merchandise online through its Red Hot Shop. The collection will be available from September 30 through October 6 on Target.com/redhotshop.

Taking inspiration from emerging trends, exotic locales and urban culture, the Red Hot Shop features a selection of new, hot items each week. The products vary every week but always include the very best of what’s en vogue.

“At Target, we celebrate the cultures and traditions of our guests throughout the year with special programs, events and product assortments. This year, our Hispanic Heritage Month product collection pays tribute to the rich heritage and artistic and innovative contributions Hispanics bring to this country,” said Greg Cunningham, group manager, multicultural marketing, Target.
The collection offers a variety of trendy items created by Latino designers including exclusive USA-Dos t-shirts by the creators of Mexico’s popular NaCo brand and accessories from acclaimed Spanish fashion designer Agatha Ruiz de La Prada, among others.

“Creating a design print exclusive for retailers such as Target has been a vision for NaCo,” says Edoardo Chavarin, Chief Creative Officer for NaCo. “Our brand offers t-shirts that have a unique and creative message that speaks directly to the Mexican community in a way that is humorous yet culturally relevant.”

The merchandise will be available for one week only and includes the following
products:
– USA-Dos t-shirts by the creators of Mexico’s popular NaCo brand, $9.99-$11.99
– “Pio Pio Pio” infant onesie from Los Pollitos Dicen, $24.00
– “Gordito” and “Gordita” bibs from Los Pollitos Dicen, $9.99
– Striped watch and notebooks from Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, $24.99
– “Day of the Dead” bracelet from Kathy and Patrick Murillo, $29.99
– Religious Ribbon Necklace from Kathy and Patrick Murillo, $19.99
– Nahuiollin handmade handbags,“Barcode” and “Tutti Frutti” designs, $54.99 each

Target has also partnered with Scholastic and the National Hispanic Cultural Center to offer free downloadable educational resources and classroom activities online at scholastic.com/dreamincolor/.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,537 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.”

“Thank you Amy for this interview. You are a prolific writer and I admire your work. How did you come with the idea for this book?

An editor once asked me to write a story about Day of the Dead, which indirectly led to Abuelita Full of Life (Luna Rising). My own personal experiences with death did not lead me to a picture book. As for Day of the Dead, my kids and I do make an altar every year. We do invite some friends over to add to our altar and make tamales. For me it is a reassuring way of accepting death, and it is a day to remember our dead. But our traditions are kind of our own. They aren’t something I grew up with. None the less, I played with the suggestion in the back of my head.”

“On Thursday November 2nd Al Borde, the award-winning biweekly Latin Alternative entertainment magazine, welcomed over 600 guests to its second annual “Dí de los Muertos” Concert and Arts Festival in East Los Angeles. Held in El Gallo Plaza and Cultural Cafe, one of the area’s best-kept secrets, the event turned this Dí de los Muertos evening into a night of lavish art displays and altar exhibits featuring submissions from local artists.

The Two-Dimensional Art contest winner was twenty-seven year old Jefferson High School teacher Luis G. Garcí for his oil on canvas titled “Sebastian.” In addition to a full feature editorial in Al Borde, Mr. Garcí also won an exhibition of his own to be held in uptown Whittier’s Casita del Pueblo, a local art retail store that promotes folk art awareness and appreciation. The winner of this year’s “Day of the Dead” Altar contest and $500 in cash and prizes was the Social Justice Academy Student Group, an organization from East Los Angeles’s Garfield High School.

Guests were also treated to live musical entertainment provided by L. A.’s very own La Banda Skalavera but the evening’s biggest surprise, without a doubt, was a five-song set given by Volumen Cero, one of today’s biggest Latin Alternative rock acts.

Both young, Hispanic art enthusiasts and Latin entertainment industry professionals alike raved about last Thursday’s event. “We really appreciated the hospitality, great artwork and vibe of the event,” said Carlos Castillo, West Coast Promoter for Universal Music. Hansen Beverage Company’s Marketing Manager, Paul Mendoza, noted, “The 2nd Annual “Dí de Los Muertos’ Concert and Arts Festival was a perfect venue for hip L. A. Hispanics to come together. We look forward to future events hosted by Al Borde.”

The sponsors that joined Al Borde in its unique cultural celebration were Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, Blue Cross, Cingular, Monster Energy Drinks, Ameriprise and El Clasificado, Al Borde’s parent company.

Al Borde’s “Dí de los Muertos” Concert and Arts Festival is a community-oriented celebration of music and culture. Community groups and local artists are invited to submit an original work of art for the Day of the Dead-themed art and altar contests, for a chance to win $500 and a personalized art exhibition. Every year a surprise musical guest chosen from the Latin Alternative rock music scene is invited for a special performance.

For more information about Al Borde and the “Dí de los Muertos” Concert and Arts Festival, or to view pictures of this year’s event please visit http://www.alborde.com.”

“Rogelio Gallegos used his hand to pound the nearly empty beer bottles into the ground Thursday near the burial plot of his daughter’s boyfriend, ensuring the drinks could be enjoyed from the grave.

It was Gallegos’ way of honoring 21-year-old Juan Lozano - who was shot to death five years ago - on Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos. The holiday honoring dead loved ones is celebrated throughout Latin America, as well as this mostly Hispanic city”

“Psychology professor Roque Mendez, who presented a Philosophy Dialogue on Day of the Dead, said he has traveled throughout Mexico and traditions vary.

Banquets are a major part of Day of the Dead, which are typical in most celebrations, but where they are placed and how the family chooses them varies, Mendez said.

“I remember seeing in-house banquets in Mexico. Sometimes family members would stay over at gravesites,” he said. “Others would have in-house banquets and altars, but they would not necessarily go out to the gravesite.””

“Mourners prayed and placed marigolds in the cemetery of this California farming town on Wednesday in a Day of the Dead ritual honoring hundreds who died while illegally crossing the border from Mexico.

Some 400 John and Jane Does who died of heat exhaustion, drowned or perished of unknown causes as they trekked north to California from Mexico since the late 1990s are buried in the churned mud of the paupers’ cemetery in Holtville, a few miles (kilometers) north of the border.”

“On Nov. 1 and 2, the Mexican nation celebrates the Day of the Dead, a traditional time to catch up with dead ancestors and friends. Families invite the spirits of the dead into their homes and visit cemeteries bearing gifts of flowers, candy, alcohol and tobacco (apparently, the dead like to have a good time). Rather than a funereal occasion, El Dia de los Muertos is treated as a festival, a time to honor the dead by throwing them a party.

Las Carpas were traditional Mexican tent shows that resembled something between Vaudeville and American traveling circuses. Focused less on animals and freak shows and more on singing, dancing, acrobatics and outrageous costumes, Las Carpas entertained many audiences in Meso-America before their demise in the mid-20th century.”

recipe is missing at the moment

“From the day she opened Zarela, her Midtown Manhattan restaurant, Zarela Martinez established herself as a person who would have a strong influence on defining true Mexican cooking for New York’s non-Mexican restaurant-goers.

When a restaurant’s been launched, people whose heritage links them to Mexico will come to try it out. It’s more important, Ms. Martinez soon realized, to focus on educating those who have never experienced the flavors native to Mexico.”

“An old saying in Mexico tells us that we all die three deaths: First, when the body dies; second, when the body is buried. But the third and only permanent death is when no one is left to remember the life that was lived.

For that reason, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated in Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2, is one of the most spiritual holidays of the year. It dates to pre-Hispanic cultures and is a time when families remember their ancestors and build ofrendas (offerings or altars) dedicated to those whom they loved who now are dead.”