Day of Dead Alive in Denver!
Renee Fajardo-Anstine


It is that time of year again, fall leaves litter the streets with hues of gold and red, the air is filled with the crisp scent of frosty promises not yet to be. The spirit world beckons all departed loved ones back for one brief visit before winter folds it's icy fingers around the autumn brilliance. Celebrations of harvest, prosperity, life and death all signify it is close, Day of the Dead, ah yes!.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of the most revered holidays for many Hispanics. Celebrated throughout Mexico, the South West United States and portions of South America with both humor and solemn tributes from Nov. 2nd though Nov 3rd, it is a time of remembrance and joy for the precious memories of those dearly departed.

In Colorado, preparations honoring deceased ancestors, family and friends have begun in earnest. What was once a little recognized holiday twenty five years ago is fast becoming mainstream thanks to many local artist such as Rita Wallace a master folk artist from Mexico was one of the founding forces behind establishing the holiday in Denver.

"We began with the celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe so many years ago, " said Wallace. " But years ago it was not as popular as it is now, people who where not Mexican did not know what it meant so much then."


But thanks to Wallace and a group of Denverites from the Pirate Art Gallery and the Chicano Humanities Art Council otherworldly insight has been shed on the holiday.

The granddaddy of all celebrations at the Pirate Art Gallery, where many of the local artist started showing for Day of the Dead decades ago, has been joined by a good two dozen other organizations state wide and dozens upon dozens of schools that celebrate the auspicious holiday.




Chicano Humanities arts Council Nov 23rd
The Celebration: Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead is a day to honor and celebrate those who have departed. Come down and join CHAC on First Friday for Aztec dancers Chimaltonalli and Dia de los Muertos alters, art and merchandise. For more information call 303-571-0440 or visit www.chac.org





Pirate Art Gallery Friday October 30

Celebrate the metro areas largest and longest running multi-cultural, multi-collaborative cultural event with a Day of the Dead fiesta on Friday Oct 31st at the Pirate Art 3655 Navajo St. Denver Co. from 6-10pm Featuring Aztec Dancers, Children's Pinanta, Candle Light Processional and free atole and tamales. Free and open to the public. All ages welcome.

Aurora Fox Theater November11, 12 noon
The Aurora Fox Theater has been celebrating Day of the Dead for 14 years. This year in honor of the ancestors of the Americas the theater will host Seven Falls Native American Dancers and Singers and the Aztec Troupe Chimaltonalli with stories and songs directly from the Mexika people. The event takes place on We Nov. 5th at 12 noon and is free and open to the public. 9900 E. Colfax, Aurora Co call 720-329-0869 or 303-739-1970 for more information or visit www.colofokarts.org