Lots of activity is planned this weekend at The Washington Catholic Middle School Gym for the “Day of the Dead” Festival. In Spanish that’s Dia De Los Muertos.
The observance is a Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors deceased loved ones. In Mexico, the celebration is held from October 31 to November 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic feast days of All Saints and All Souls, but the festival’s origins are rooted in a combination of elements of core beliefs and Catholic teachings. Over time it has evolved, adding some new ideas and practices.
Here in Washington the event includes music, folk dancing, face painting, Hispanic food, traditional Mexican games, along with art and photographs on display.
The festival runs both Saturday and Sunday at Washington Catholic Middle School. The public is welcome and organizers hope and have designed the weekend to provide some cultural education for the community.
Full schedule below
Saturday, Nov. 4
11:30 a.m. – Welcome and explanation of Day of the Dead
11:40 a.m. – Live music and dance “Music Never Dies” presented by students of WC
12 p.m. – Presentation of Omar Estrada’s paintings and photographs
12:30 p.m. – Explanation and sale of food
1 p.m. – Explanation of Catrinas
1:30 p.m. – Mexican folkloric dances presented by the local group “Sounds of the Soul”
2 p.m. – Children’s game “Loteria”
3 to 5 p.m. – Open exhibition with music and videos
5 p.m. – Presentation of the Altar of the Dead dedicated to Fred Schwenk
5:15 p.m. – Opening with
live music and dance “The Music Never Dies” presented by WC students
5:30 p.m. – Presentation of Omar Estrada’s paintings and photographs and an explanation of Catrinas
6 p.m. – Mexican folkloric dances presented by the local group “Sounds of the Soul”
6:30 p.m. Closure of exhibition
Sunday, Nov. 5
8 a.m. – Opening of exhibition
9:30 a.m. – Start the sale of food
10 a.m. – Opening with live music and dance “The Music Never Dies” presented by WC students
10:15 a.m. – Presentation of Omar Estrada’s paintings and photographs and an explanation of Catrinas
10:30 a.m. – Presentation
of the Altar of the Dead dedicated to Fred Schwenk
11 a.m. – Open exhibition with music and videos
12 p.m. – Presentation of Omar Estrada’s paintings and photographs and an explanation of Catrinas
12:15 p.m. – Guatemalan dance presented by the local group “Sounds of the Soul”
12:30 p.m. – Honduran dance presented by Elizabeth Snider
12:45 p.m. Salvadoran dance presented by Rosa Cartagena and Ingird Serrano
1 p.m. – Mexican folkloric dances presented by the local group “Sounds of the Soul”
1:30 p.m. – Closing of the festival