In the Party Spirit
Death is a subject not well regarded in some cultures.
Death in Latin culture is not only a normal topic of conversation, but also a celebrated and accepted part of life.
The Mexican, explains poet Octavio Paz, not only shrugs at death, but he “chases after it, mocks it, courts it, hugs it, sleeps with it; it’s his favorite plaything and his most lasting love.”
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a celebration, not a somber occasion, to remember those who have passed away. Traditionally, Nov. 1 is the day children are remembered, called the Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Angels). Nov. 2 is reserved for adults. The festivities include making colorful papier-ma^che cutouts called papel picado, constructing altars with photographs and mementos of loved ones, creating elaborate wreaths and crosses decorated with flowers, lighting candles and votives in processions and baking edible goodies, such as sugar skulls and sweet bread called pan de muertos (bread of the dead).
The day becomes--as essayist Richard Rodriguez once wrote--a party.
“Ancient cultures learned to make their peace with death. Early in November in Mexico on the Dia de los Muertos, the Catholic feast of all souls, Mexicans visit the graves of their relatives. They bring food for the dead, they clean up the grave sites, they linger and talk to the ghosts, they sing, get drunk, they even poke fun at death by sucking on candy skulls.”
This curious attachment to death comes from the blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures, which created the Mexican identity.
Spanish Catholicism’s heavy emphasis on the suffering of Christ, his death and resurrection plays a central role in the cultural identity of all Mexicans. In Spanish literature, art and theater, death is often a topic of contemplation and sometimes absurd observation.
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Death also held a significant place in the pantheons of Mexico’s ancient civilizations. The Aztecs thought it a blessing to die in childbirth, in battle or by human sacrifice.
Hence the Mexican fascination and comfort with death.
The tradition is not particular to Mexico either. In Guatemala, for example, the celebration is called Dia de los Santos (Day of the Saints). Mexican Americans celebrate the Day of the Dead, sometimes with more aplomb than Halloween. It is a cultural custom that has transcended geographical borders.
“For Mexicans, death is not spooky, death is funny,” said author Sandra Cisneros, a third-generation Mexican American who built an altar in her home to her recently deceased father. “Humor is like a victory over death. Spirits in our culture are not scary because they are a part of everyday life. When you know the dead are with you, then why would death scare you?”
This year, Angelenos can have their choice of exhibits, altar pieces, films and papier-ma^che workshops to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Some of the activities are more traditional, as at Self Help Graphics Workshop in East L.A., where people can make altar pieces. Other activities include an exhibition of ceramic sculptures by Erin Lopes at the Long Beach Museum of Latin American Art. Her pieces honor women such as La Malinche, the Indian lover of explorer Hernan Cortes; artist Frida Kahlo; and the iconic Soldadera (female soldiers of the Mexican Revolution).
In addition, Channel 22 will air two films, “Mexico de Mis Amores,” which tells the story of the Day of the Dead in Janitzio, Michoacan. Channel 22 will also air “Macario,” a classic Mexican film written by B. Traven and photographed by Mexico’s most celebrated cinematographer, Gabriel Figueroa.
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Where to Take Part in Day of the Dead Events Dia de los Santos/Dia de los Muertos events:
Social and Public Art Resource Center
685 Venice Blvd., (310) 822-9560
Saturday: Concert by Los Illegals and performance artist Rudy G. In addition, there is a free showing of an altar by artists Judy Baca, Willie Herron, Nuke and Chaz Bojorquez. Exhibit begins at 6 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Dolores Mission School
171 S. Gless St., East Los Angeles, (323) 881-0018.
Saturday: Free community art workshop to make paper flowers from noon to 3 p.m.
Long Beach Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, (562) 437-1689
Saturday: Shrine workshop, noon to 4 p.m.; Margarita Mixer with Ralph Wilson, a shrine maker, 6-9 p.m.
Sunday: Papel Picado workshop with Olga Ponce Furginson, 1-4 p.m.; “Calaveristas” poetry reading with Paco Gallegos and Luis Guttierez, 3 p.m.; Community Altar (free), 1-4 p.m.
All events, unless otherwise noted, $7.50 for members, $12 non-members.
KWHY-TV
Sunday: “Mexico de Mis Amores” story of the Day of the Dead in Janitzio, Michoacan, 4 p.m.
Tuesday: “Macario” by B. Traven, directed by Roberto Galvadon, photographed by Gabriel Figueroa, is the story of a peasant who makes a deal with the devil. English subtitles. 8 p.m.
Self Help Graphics and Art Inc.
3802 Cesar Chavez Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 881-6444.
Monday: Procession from Lorena Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue to Self Help Graphics beginning at 5 p.m.; opening reception for exhibition featuring poetry readings, arts and crafts and the making of a community altar, 6-9 p.m. Free.
Mexican Consulate
2401 W. 6th St., Los Angeles. (213) 351-6828
Monday: Inauguration of the community altar. 5:30 p.m. Free.
Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture
112 S. Main St., Los Angeles. (213) 626-3804
Tuesday through Dec. 14: Exhibit on festive grave site installations, re-creations of the artistic Guatemalan cemetery sites. Also a display of the Barriletes kites that are used as an intermediary between people and the heavens. Free.
El Pueblo HistoricoOlvera Street at Alameda Street, Los Angeles. (213) 625-5045
Tuesday: Oaxacan folkloric dancing, costume making and a procession reenactment. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.
Arroyo Seco Park
5568 Via Marisol, Los Angeles. (213) 259-0681
Nov. 6: Altar making, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free.