El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of life that honors those who have passed away and includes traditions such as building private altars to honor the deceased, creating sugar skulls and visiting graves with these as gifts. To share Day of the Dead traditions, Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, Cemetery & Arboretum is hosting a variety of activities, including an art exhibit, Aztec dancer, a sugar skulls art workshop for children, mariachis, and a lecture on the traditions of the Dia de los Muertos free to the community from noon - 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009.

Festivities begin with a sugar skulls workshop for children from noon - 1:30 p.m. led by Rebecca Romero and Aubrey Valencia, art teachers and CHAC volunteers, followed by an Aztec dance performed by Lorenzo Ramirez,award-winning performance artist and artistic director of Grupo Folklorico Sabor Latino.

Internationally exhibited Denver artist Jerry Vigil headlines a lecture on the Day of the Dead at 2 p.m. Vigil, who interprets the Day of the Dead in a modern style with a signature of blue skeletons, will share background on this tradition. He has built a personal alter and will also address customs related to the creation of this type of tribute.

A Mariachi performance at 3 p.m. concludes the afternoon's activities. Throughout the event attendees can enjoy an exhibit of Vigil's art and traditional fiesta refreshments.

"Olinger Crown Hill has a long tradition of engaging the community. Community concerts and services have been held since the 1930s and the concerts, arboretum tours, lectures and remembrances held throughout the year continue that tradition," said Kevin Wolfe, general manager, Olinger Crown Hill. "Cemeteries are places of reflection, remembrance, beauty and history. Exploring traditions regarding how people honor and remember those who have passed is an important part of every culture and presenting opportunities for the community to learn about different customs and tributes is both interesting and meaningful," he added.

"Many times following a loss people find it hard to return to the cemetery. Providing music programs, tours of the arboretum and cultural events provide the opportunity for people to come back and experience a different aspect of the cemetery, which can help the healing process.

"We work in a profession of compassion and support," Wolfe emphasized. "Our efforts don't stop with the interment of individuals. Sharing the assets of our sanctuary with the community for remembrance and healing continues 365 days a year. The more who benefit from our community programs, the better," he added.

More than 136,000 rest within the gates of the century-old cemetery, which is also home to two listings on the National Register of Historic Places - The Tower of Memories and a five-block Historic District located in the oldest part of the cemetery.

For more information, call 303-233-4611 or visit www.crownhillfuneral.com.