HUNTINGTON BEACH : ‘Day of the Dead’ Marked at Art Center

Artists here will celebrate “Day of the Dead” with a community fair Saturday at the Huntington Beach Art Center.

“Day of the Dead,” or Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican tradition dating to pre-Columbian times which is celebrated Nov. 1 and embraces death as a part of life.

The arts celebration will feature a Day of the Dead exhibition, artists’ reception, children’s workshop and a slide lecture, said Pat Gomez, the art center’s special events director.

As part of the tradition, people make an ofrenda, or offering, to honor dead relatives and friends. A community ofrenda, where people can bring photos, mementos and other personal items in memory of loved ones, has been created at the Art Center, Gomez said.

“It honors their memory and the place they hold in our hearts as living people,” she said.

The fall celebration will also include an all-day art market, in which a wide range of artwork, such as handmade jewelry, unique clothing and clocks, will be sold. Proceeds will benefit the Art Center.

A workshop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. for children ages 9 to 12 where they will make, bake and decorate traditional Day of the Dead bread. Cost is $4 a child.

Consuelo Norte, curator of the exhibit, will give a slide lecture at 5 p.m. on the exhibit.

A reception for the Day of the Dead artists will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Acoustic performances by local musicians will be featured during the day and the Xipe Totec Danzantes Aztecas, a group performing traditional Aztec dancing, will entertain at 6:30 p.m.

The free celebration will be held from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Art Center, 538 Main St.

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Honoring the Dead

Huntington Beach artists will continue the “‘Day of the Dead” tradition with a community event. The celebration honors loved ones who have died. The details:

When: Saturday, 1-9 p.m

Admission: Free, except workshop

Events:

* Art Market, 1-9 p.m.

* Children’s Workshop (ages 9-12), 2-4 p.m.; $4 per child.

* Lecture and slide presentation, 5-6 p.m.

* Exhibition reception, 6-9 p.m.

* Live entertainment throughout the day

Information: (714) 374-1650