As many of you know, today marks Dia De Los Muertos--or Day of the Dead; a day celebrated mostly in Mexico and Europe. Here in Laredo, the tradition continues to be passed on from one generation to the next through an event at the Laredo Center for the Arts where the goal is to make sure our youth keep the story alive. Annette Garcia has that story.
"With crosses and candles, even the traditional Pan de Muerto, people come together to remember family and friends who have passed on. 'My grandmother taught me these things; my mother taught me these things,' says one participant. The cultural celebration, Dia de los Muertos, recognized November 1st--the Catholic holiday All Saints Day--and November 2nd--All Souls Day: the day the souls of the dead will return to earth. Traditionally, people will create altars filled with their loved ones' favorite foods so that they may come back to enjoy them. 'I did a traditional altar for my grandfather, and also did an untraditional altar for Michael Jackson,' says Gerardo Salazar, the exhibit's creator. Both an artist and an educator, Salazar is putting his own touches on altars and photos, meshing together ancient traditions of the 18th century--and celebrities of our time. Some photos have even received the "calaca"...or "skeleton touch." 'As artists, we give it a new twist with a little more color, a little more splendor,' says Gabriel Castillo, Director of the Center for the Arts. (Annette:) 'The exhibit's creator says altars like this one help interest laredo youth and help keep tradition alive.' 'They can witness what part of our culture is...' 'Our culture has slowly been dying because we have become Americanized.' 'If we don't forget our roots, if we don't forget our culture, that's what's important because that is what makes us who we are,' says Adela Gutierrez, creator of an altar for the exhibit. Annette Garcia, Pro 8 News."
The exhibit will remain on display until the end of the month. The Laredo Center for the Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.