Everyone is Invited to Participate in the Painting
Sedona AZ (October 12, 2012) – Back for a third year, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village will be vibrantly transformed, celebrating Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The multiple-day celebration begins on Tuesday, October 30th and builds to the concluding activities and entertainment Friday, November 2nd and Saturday, from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Tlaquepaque shops and galleries will also be opened until 8:00 pm for First Friday in the Galleries on the 2nd.
Traditionally, families gather in the home during Dia de los Muertos creating special shrines, preparing personal offerings, or ofrenda, constructing decorative arches and baking special Day of the Dead bread. Sugar skulls, candles, cempasuchil flowers, paper mache skeletons and plates with the favorite foods of their relatives who have passed are also part of the celebration.
In keeping with these cultural traditions, Day of the Dead festivities at Tlaquepaque will begin on Tuesday, October 30th at noon in Calle Independencia with the Marigold Mural Project, where everyone is invited to paint a 26-foot by 6-foot mural of remembrance. A highly decorative and beautiful marigold garland will frame the large wooden canvas, painted by the artist Lovejoy. “Please come and offer your freestyle painting of whatever moves you,” suggests Wendy Lippman, Resident Partner and General Manager of Tlaquepaque.
The mural creation will be ongoing from Tuesday through its completion Friday, November 2nd. “We hope lots of people will join in on this lively and colorful cultural expression, and think about their lives and remember those that have made a significant impact on them. It’s not a contest and you don’t need to be artistic. It’s a way to create something wonderful and lasting as a community,” says Lippman. A tent in Calle Independencia will be set-up where everyone can select his or her paint and brushes.
Friday and Saturday evening (November 2nd and 3rd) is full of music, fire dancing, and strolling mariachi. Virtuoso flamenco guitarist, Eric Miller will wow audiences with traditional Latin music. Don’t miss outrageous and visually stunning fire dancing both nights, with shows at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Wandering gypsy pairs will be juggling, miming, mugging for photos and posing with visitors to add to the fun!
Three beautifully decorated altars will be constructed by the floral design team of Show Stoppers of Sedona, in the patios of Tlaquepaque (Patio del Norte, Patio de las Campanas and Calle Independencia). In remembrance of loved ones, everyone is encouraged to offer lit candles, bring photographs of family and friends (pets too), flowers (marigolds are traditional and will be available for sale as will candles), and special decorations. And be sure to bring the youngsters for elaborate Dia de los Muertos-themed face painting on both days from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.
El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano will be serving the traditional Day of the Dead drink, colada morada, with pan de muertos, and will have a booth along Calle Independencia serving chicken and green chili enchiladas and other delicious Mexican fare.
For more information call the Tlaquepaque office at (928) 282-4838, visit: www.tlaq.com and www.shoptlaq.com.
