In its traditional form, the holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Many people believe that during the Day of the Dead, it is easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living. People go to cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the departed, and build private altars.

The art of Dia de los Muertos is expressed in Catrina figures (skeletal ladies often dressed in finery), alter art and more.

The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1, set aside to honor the souls of children (los angelitos, or little angels), and November 2, the day when adult souls come home.

The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque has planned many events, often with other community partners. For more information on Dia de los Muertos events visit NationalHispanicCenter.org

Here are some outstanding events

Exhibition: Día de Muertos Ofrenda Installation
Saturday, October 17, 2009 - Sunday, November 8, 2009
10 am - 5 pm daily
Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts
Free Artist Catalina Delgado Trunk guides teachers and their classrooms to create traditional ofrendas (offerings/altars) for Día de Muertos. The public is invited to visit ofrendas during the NHCC regular hours and special events. For more information call 505/246-2261 ext. 18

Día de los Muertos Vecinos! Art Opening
Masks y Más
Friday, October 23, 4 – 9pm, FREE
The opening includes all local artists, with a special guest Mexican artist Juan Carlos Zamora Aguilar (from famous Aguilar ceramicist family). For more information call 505-256-4183. Note: Masks y Más has two locations. The store is at 3106 Central SE has a wonderful selection of Catrina figures, and their new art gallery is at 111 Carlisle NE

Opening Reception “Threads From The Dead - Who Do You, Come From?”
OFFCenter Community Arts Project
Friday, October 30, 5 – 8pm, FREE
OFFCenter Community Arts presents its annual community non-juried Día de Muertos art exhibit focused on artist’s interpretation of their ancestral history. Work will be accepted October 20 – 23 at the OFFCenter studio.

Día de Muertos Community Ofrenda
Friday, October 30, 2009
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Plaza Mayor FREE
Community members and families are invited to contribute to our community ofrenda on the outdoor stairs of the Plaza Mayor honoring families and individuals in an atmosphere of respect, honor, and remembrance. The evening includes a blessing, music, and hot chocolate. For more information call 505/246-2261 ext. 189. This program is sponsored by Daniels Family Funeral Services.

Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration Calavera Coalition, Mesilla’s Historic Plaza
Sunday, November 1 – Monday, November 2 The celebration will be held on the actual Day of the Dead The building of the shrines will begin at 8am on November 1st,nd the tradiiona procession to the Mesilla cemetery will takelace on the evening of November 2nd. A donation of three canned goods is requested for altar set-up. Enjoy piñatas, stories, remembrances, handcrafted day of the dead art, great food, and dancing. For more information call 575-647-2639.

Las Cruces, NM
“Día de los Muertos” is the subject of a new exhibit at Branigan Cultural Center, it remains on display through November 7, 2009. The exhibit features the work of nineteen regional artists in a wide variety of media. In addition to the exhibit, a Día de los Muertos altar will be opened in the classroom October 28 through November 9, 2009. Assembling the altar has become an annual tradition for Jose Tena, along with his dancers and students. On Saturday, October 31st there will be a performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Tierra del Encanto and posolé dinner. It all happens in the Shannon Gallery at the Cultural Center from 11 am to 1 pm. The program and meal are free, on a first come first served basis.

RioBravoFineArt

Celebrates the tradition of The Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos or Día de los Muertos in Spanish) at 110 N. Broadway Truth or Consequences, NM, with over 25 artists State Wide. The exhibition will include diversity of mediums and styles. From Assemblages of found/recycled objects that include metal, wood and glass. Papel picado, decorated sugar skulls, ceramic shrines, azteca tribal paintings, hand glazed tile art, nichos and retablos with religious images and pop art nostalgia folklore representing Hispanic and Mexican traditions.

Want to purchase Catrina figures?
Masks y Más
3106 Central SE
111 Carlisle NE
505-256-4183 | www.masksymas.net

For spiritual art
Johnny Salas Art gallery
Santísima Art Gallery (in Old Town)
328 San Felipe St NW # F
505-246-2611