Invitation!

On November 3, 2012, all residents of the Washington D.C. metro area are invited to come together to celebrate the Dia de Los Muertos, Noche de Ofrendas at the Festival Center in Columbia Heights. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an important holiday celebrated in México and various cultures throughout the world to honor and commemorate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Annually on November 2nd, friends and family come together to remember people in our lives who are no longer here, but who continue to be present with us in one form or another. Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and a time to reflect on the realities of death in a healthy and introspective, yet communal, way. The celebration can be traced back to pre-Columbian times in México. Everyone is welcome to help make and decorate the communal altar, which combines artistic and spiritual components and provides a centerpiece to display offerings for our loved ones. The celebration will also feature Son Jarocho dance workshops; Day of the Dead arts and crafts such as papel picado (paper mache cut outs); displays of various altars made by community partners; and traditional performances by indigenous dance group Los Tecuanis. Members of all communities will have the opportunity to practice their creativity and connect communally, while learning about an ancient tradition. DJ Collective Maracuyeah will MC through the day.

Día de los Muertos, Noche de Ofrendas is organized by Sin Fronteras Collective and Son Cosita Seria. Sin Fronteras Collective is a Washington D.C.-based group dedicated to celebrating and sharing cultural traditions that foster community strengthening. When and Where: Saturday, November 3, 2012, 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. Festival Center in Columbia Heights. 1640 Columbia Road NW, Washington DC 20009 Detailed schedule: 12pm-5pm: Altar Viewing. Workshops on altar making and arts/crafts. Add to the community altar by bringing a picture or item to honor your dearly departed. In addition, you and your family can make an item to add to the altar in one of many arts and crafts workshops. 1pm- 2pm: Storytelling hour 2pm- 3pm: Son Jarocho music and dance workshops with Son Cosita Seria 5pm- 8pm: Procession, musical performances, and poetry readings by local artists! Performers include Tierra Morena, Los Gallos Negros, and danzantes los Tecuanis!