Monday, October 24, 2016

Dia de la Muertos in Encinitas

By Patricia Frischer

In partnership with the City of Encinitas Arts Division,
Encinitas Friends of the Arts will be celebrating its third annual Dia de la Muertos
on Sat. Oct 29, at the Encinitas Community Center ( 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, off Balour, Encinitas) from 12-4 pm. This free family event will foster an appreciation and awareness of this significant Latino cultural celebration while uniting people of all backgrounds and traditions. More info: Naimeh Tanha Woodward  760-298-1708 

This year I was one of the official face painters for the four hours of this lovely event. I was stationed next to all the music and dancing, but to paint a face every 15 minutes takes total concentration so I missed most of the action at the event even though I was in the middle of it. Here are some of the 17 faces I completed. 

















Artist at work, photo by Lois Sunrich



The Por Siempre Car Club of San Diego hosted an exhibit where club members displayed their classic cars with ofrendas created in their trunks in honor of family members. Manual Navarro, a member of the family based club, explained the significance of Día De Los Muertos to the Mexican community.


“This is an old Mexican tradition, that the families used to go on Nov. 2 to bring their loved ones food, flowers, candles, the things they used to love to eat, or wear, or do, to their gravesite,” Navarro said. “But since our ancestors are 2,000 to 3,000 miles away, we celebrate them here.”


The back of his 1948 black Dodge was adorned with photographs of his grandfather and namesake, Manuel, and his grandmother, Maria, bedecked by masses of flowers. Flowers, especially marigolds, are central to the celebration because it is believed their scent helps guide back the souls of loved ones.

He explained that nine years ago, his wife, Cedma, thought of putting ofrendas in the trunks of their show cars for an event at Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, in Oceanside.
“The trend of putting an ofrenda in the trunk of a car has spread everywhere since then,” Navarro said.

Navarro also noted that Nov. 1 is All Souls Day — in his culture, traditionally known as the Day of the Little Angels or Day of the Innocents, when the souls of departed children are celebrated. The following day is Day of the Dead, when adult departed relatives are honored. The common references to All Souls Day and All Saints Day occur because the Mexican Día de los Muertos was combined into Catholic celebrations after the Spaniards came to Mexico.


Beatriz Villarreal, Emcee

Beatriz has been part of the DIa de los Muertos festival from the very beginning. She will be our Emcee, speaking in English and Spanish, and will keep the celebration going strong all day!

Look for members of the committee dressed as Catrina's--ideal for selfie photos!


Opportunity Drawings

When you arrive, get your free ticket for the four Opportunity Drawings. We will give away 2 Acer computer tablets, gift certificates to Walmart, Pannikin, Starbucks, attractions and restaurants, 15 gift baskets, and more!


Danza Azteca Fuego

The Day of the Dead celebration begins with ancient dances to bless the Ofrenda. They will perform at 12:00pm. 

Enjoy continuous performances from 12:00-4:00pm on stage in the Community Center Auditorium


Ballet Folklorico el Tapatio

See them perform at 12:30pm. Info





Ballet Folklorico de San Dieguito

See them perform at 12:45pm. Info


Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego

See them perform at 1:10pm and at 2:20pm.


Ballet Folklorico Rancho Buena Vista

See them perform at 1:40pm. Info


Grupo Folklorico Tapatio de Oceanside

See them perform at 2:50pm. Info


Mariachi Real de San Diego

Grand Finale: see them perform a tribute to Juan Gabriel at 3:30pm. They have been the top-rated Mariachi in San Diego since 1978 and perform regularly for the Chargers.  Info 

Por Siempre Car Club

Ten beautifully restored low-rider cars will be on view with a Day of the Dead Ofrenda in each one. Info

Day of the Dead Art Exhibit

Check out the outstanding 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional artwork by the students of Paul Ecke Central School, Becky Kay, Instructor. 

Face Painting

Transform your face into a traditional sugar skull. Show your spirit with this dramatic and attention grabbing look. 32 face painting stations will be available--select the one you want. 

  • Half-face, simple design, is free of charge. 
  • Half-face, fancy design with embellishments, is $5. 

Calavera de Azúcar / Sugar Skulls

Learn how to decorate your own calavera de azúcar, or sugar skull, using tubes of colored icing and embellishments.  

Papel Flores / Tissue Flowers

Mexican paper flowers. This tradition utilizes tissue paper cut with scissors and folded into beautiful flowers.

Artist Demonstrations

Watch three outstanding visual artists, BB Bastidas, Luis Murguia and Oscar Fernandez, create Day of the Dead art at the celebration. Their artwork will on view and for purchase.

Surfing Madonna Community Ofrenda

Honor the memory of a loved one or a friend by contributing a photo or a non-valuable remembrance to the Ofrenda. 

A second Ofrenda, at the Encinitas Library, will be on view from Oct. 28-Nov. 3. 

Authentic Mexican Food

Enjoy delicious Mexican food prepared by Tacos el Rorro and El Panchitos, along with Pan de Muerto, horchata, bottled water and dessert. All available at affordable prices.

Encinitas Library Day of the Dead


Check out the Community Ofrenda, Day of the Dead student art exhibit and Family Altars at the Encinitas Library, from October 28 through November 3. 

Families can make their own altar, sign up at the Reservation Desk at the library.

Honor the memory of a loved one or a friend by contributing a photo or a non-valuable remembrance to the Ofrenda. 

Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. 760-753-7376. Info

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