Day of the Dead Festivities Kick Off Today in Oxnard

The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center is preparing for its 17th annual celebration of the Latino observance Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, today and Thursday.

Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. today at the Inlakech center, with a parade down 5th Street to Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard at 6.

The procession will be followed by a performance by Nahui Ollin and the Aztec Dancers at 7 at Plaza Park, 5th and C streets.

Also scheduled is a stage performance by the Inlakech theater group El Nuevo Fuego/The New Flame, which tells about the traditions of Dia de los Muertos.

“The play is a celebration of the Day of the Dead, with funny skits, music and historical facts about how and why we celebrate the Day of the Dead,” publicity chairman Luis Guereca said. “The theater is fully decorated with plenty of skeletons and rich Mexican art depicting the significance of the celebration.”

The observance also will feature an alter honoring those who have recently died, including friends, relatives and loved ones, Guereca said.

On Thursday, there will be face-painting, entertainment and food beginning at 6 p.m., followed by performances by Nahui Ollin, the Aztec Dancers and the Inlakech Theater Group’s presentation of “El Nuevo Fuego.”

The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, California Arts Council and the Channel Islands Indie Film Festival are co-sponsors of the event.

The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center is at 937 W. 5th St.

For more information, call 486-7063 or 486-7468.