The Day of the Dead, Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, Longmont Colorado


español People of all cultures honor the memories of their ancestors. In many parts of Mexico, South America, and the United States, El Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a time to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones. Community participation is an essential part of this holiday that is full of life, reflection, food, family, and fun. Longmont’s Celebration – Happy 10th Anniversary! Longmont’s annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is the Longmont Museum’s signature event and the largest Day of the Dead celebration in Colorado, attracting more than 4,000 people to the exhibit, family event, and related programming. Celebrating our 10th anniversary this year, the celebration demonstrates how a diverse community can come together to share a common desire – to honor our ancestors and keep their memories alive. La Ofrenda de los Muertos: Honoring Days of the Dead Exhibition October 9 to November 7, 2010 Community altars, artwork, interactives, and photographs highlight this annual exhibit. Explore new displays celebrating our 10th anniversary. Bring a photo of your loved one to add to the Community Tree of Life. Free admission. Community Altars A key part of the celebration is preparing an altar, where photographs, favorite foods,and personal mementos ofdeceased loved ones are arranged. Altars often are displayedin the home and at the cemetery. Skeletons and skullsmade of sugar, bread, ceramics or papier-mâché provide final touches. No expense or effort is spared. PROGRAMS & EVENTS
							Volunteer Sugar Skull Making Day Sunday, October 17, 1 to 4 pm Help make sugar skulls for the October 30 event! Groups of 8 or more, please call ahead – 303-651-8723. Free admission.
							Mitlan: The Place of the Dead Wednesday, October 20, 7 pm Maruca Salazar, Director of the Museo de las Americas in Denver, explores objects from the Museo’s collection used during pre-Hispanic ceremonies to honor the dead. Watch and learn as she builds a primitive altar and explains its symbolism. Free admission.
							Create a Catrina! Saturday, October 23, 10 to 11:30 am Ages 5 and up, parents welcome $5 per child, $4 for 2nd child, $3 for 3rd child, preregistration required. Hear the legend of this famous and fancy skeleton figure and create your own Catrina or catrin to take home. Taught by artist and folk historian Rita Flores de Wallace along with artist Julie Marino.
							Skull Masks at the Longmont Public Library 409 4th Avenue, 303-651-8477 Monday, October 25, 6 to 8 pm Ages 3 and up. Make and decorate your own skull mask in this popular program! Free admission.
							Día de los Muertos Family Celebration Saturday, October 30, 10 am to 5 pm Live entertainment, sugar skull decorating, traditional food, community altars, paper flower making, Día de los Muertos tattoos, and Lady Catrina with her Catrin. Come dressed in your finest “calaca” (skeleton) apparel! Free admission. Courtyard Entertainment 11:30 am –12:30 pm Kalpulli Mitotilitztli Aztec Dance Group 1:00 – 1:45 pm Canciones de Mi Tierra and Coro San Juan 2:00 – 2:45 pm Alternatives for Youth Folklorico Dancers

PROGRAMS & EVENTS