Red Deer's inaugural Day of the Dead event on Saturday celebrates Latin culture while honouring those who have passed on.
Known as Dia De Los Muertos and most often associated with Mexico, the celebration includes a tradition of building altars – ofrendas – where favourite foods or drinks of the departed are left along with photos or other memorabilia. The altar is used to encourage visits by the souls so they can hear the prayers and messages from the living.
Central Alberta Inclusive Latin Association (CAILA) is behind the Red Deer event, which takes place at The Flex, 4919 49th St. at 2 p.m.
CAILA president William Siliezar said Dia De Los Muertos is a popular event in the Latino community and the non-profit groups members wanted to share it with the larger community.
Tickets cost $7 for adults in advance of $10 at the door and $3 for children or $5 at the door.
Tickets include a free drink such as hot chocolate or coffee. Children receive a skull cookie they can decorate themselves. The skull – or calavera in Spanish – is a common symbol of the holiday and sugar skulls are popular gifts for the living and the dead. Adults will get a sample of bread with orange glazing, known as pan de muertos.
People can also try their hand at creating paper marigolds, a traditional flower to honour the dead, that will be added to an altar created for the occasion.
Those attending are welcome to show up with their own Day of the Dead face painting or pay to have their faces painted by a local woman originally from Mexico who is an expert in creating the spooky designs.
A local musician of Mexican heritage will be playing traditional songs on his guitar throughout the afternoon.
Siliezar said while Mexico is best known for celebrating Day of the Dead, other Latin American countries have their own take on the ceremony.
Those interested in coming are asked to pre-register. All of the information can be found on CAILA's Facebook page.
