Join me at MOLAA's Noche de Ofrendas, a Dia de los Muertos Celebration in Long Beach
Dia de los Muertos was not a holiday that I celebrated as a child, or was even aware of...until I lived in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The beautiful marigolds, colorful altars, and special foods, all to honor the deceased, were something that fascinated me. Instead of the dark and somber ways to mourn those that left us, three days at the end of October, which coincide with Halloween, are recognized by many Latinos as a celebration of the life of those gone.
When we returned to the US, this cultural and religious celebration was long forgotten until a college friend told me about the Day of the Dead traditions in East LA.
I have since attended a few Day of the Dead events throughout Los Angeles. Some are focused on the religious aspect of the holiday, while others steer far from it and highlight the cultural and artistic elements of Day of the Dead. Some, much larger Day of the Dead celebrations, tend to attract a younger crowd - mostly in lieu of Halloween (Which Day of the Dead has nothing to do with). But, as beautiful and culturally significant these events are and have been, what has been missing, until now, is an upscale Day of the Dead celebration that both honors its religious and cultural past, while embracing the holiday it has now become in the US.
As an icon of Latino culture in Southern California, the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach, is planning to do just that and created a Noche de Ofrendas, a Dia de los Muertos Celebration.
Planned for Saturday, October 25, from 7 p.m. - 12 a.m., the (adult-only) Day of the Dead celebration at MOLAA includes artwork and celebrity-inspired altars designed by the event’s honorary curator, Tony Dominguez, recognized as one of the greatest papier-mâché artists, and altars inspired by other celebrities including Hector Elizondo, star of the film The Book of Life, filmmaker Sergio Arau (A Day Without a Mexican), lifestyle reporter and Good Day LA host Mar Yvette, and television star Valente Rodriguez (The George Lopez Show).
A special live theatrical performance of La Muerte Vive—Where Rock Opera Meets Cabaret, produced by Dominguez, in addition to musical performances from Rocio Libertad Mendoza with Trio Alma y Alma, Casa de Calacas, Macondo y su Sonora, and DJ Brazilia, will all provide entertainment.
The evening will also include a silent auction, Calavera (skull) face painting, an array of traditional Mexican cuisine, and tequila-based libations created by Herradura’s star mixologist, Damian Diaz.
Limited event tickets which benefit MOLAA’s exhibition and art education initiatives are available by calling 562.437.1689 or click here. For additional event information, contact 562.437.1689.
You can also learn more about MOLAA by following their social media handles:
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/molaa
Instagram: http://instagram.com/molaaart
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/molaa/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/molaa/
See you on Saturday! I'll be the tall Latina dressed in black :)
This Sponsored Post was Brought to you by MOLAA, The Museum of Latin American Art.
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