Día de los Muertos (also known as Day of the Dead) combines ancient and colonial traditions, folk customs, and spiritual beliefs. Celebrated in Mexican and Latin American communities on November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos is a powerful, symbolic way to honor relatives and friends who have died.
This year the Tacoma Art Museum will host an event on November 5th from noon to 5p.m. There will be an art-making workshops, traditional tapete (sandpainting) and ofrendas (altars honoring lost loved ones), at the19th annual Día de Los Muertos festival.
The colorful, inspiring tapete and ofrendas are popular exhibitions at TAM’s Día de los Muertos festival every year. Acclaimed artist Fulgencio Lazo created this year’s tapete at TAM in collaboration with a team of artists and community members. Tapetes are traditional in Lazo’s home state of Oaxaca, Mexico, and can now been seen throughout Western Washington, thanks to Fulgencio’s efforts over the past 30 years. TAM’s collection of ofrendas this year was assembled by local families and community organizations. To recognize the Day of the Dead, ofrendas are laden with food and drink offerings to nourish the spirits on their long journey back home.
Admission is free to the Día de Los Muertos festival activities and the rest of the museum on November 5. Event schedule Sunday, November 5
Noon-5 p.m. Art-making Activities: Memory box making with TAM educators, air-dry clay sculpting project, and Community Marigold Project.
Food trucks will be on-site with Mexican food for purchase.
Noon-1 p.m.Trio Guadalevin performance
1:45-2:45 p.m. Ballet Folklorico performance and workshop
4-5 p.m. CeAtl Tonalli Aztec Dance performance
For mor information visit: Tacoma Art Museum