Altarcitos: Designing Alters to Honor Those We Love
Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10:00 am PST
Online via Zoom
$25
Workshop size: 10 participants
Join me for a 1.5 hour interactive workshop on how to create a home altar (ofrenda) to honor your loved ones in time for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Dia de Muertos is an traditional Mexican celebration (held November 1-2 of each year) of honoring those who have transitioned through death onto a new stage of life. We gather to remember, cherish and pray for the lives of our ancestors, family, friends, coworkers, and community leaders, and to honor their memory, contributions, and above all, love.
Will there be flowers? Yes!
Will there be music and conversation? Absolutely!
Will there be some tears and laughter, followed by some more tears and laughter? It wouldn’t be a Mexican tradition if there wasn’t some of that!
Through our gathering, I will show you how to assemble an ofrenda in your home, and guide you through a shared reflection while we hold space for beauty, loss, and life. This program is for anyone who would like to connect with their loved ones and ancestors through a shared practice of ritual-making, and for those who desire to participate in this holiday in a culturally-informed, sensitive, non-harmful, and respectful way. It is my pleasure to share with you a treasure of my cultural heritage.
Remember: Dia de Muertos is not Halloween. However, it is a lively experience rich with history and customs that is meant to be shared in the context of community. I encourage you to learn more about it through this series of posts from Maestra Grace Sesma, a gifted curandera (cultural practitioner) who very eloquently explains the Indigenous and pre-colonial origins, context and customs of our ancient tradition.
Note: I will guide you through my instruction and materials list so you can create your own altar space over the weekend, in time for November 1st. Also, you do not have to belong to a particular faith, spiritual, or religious tradition to participate. All are welcome.