Glass Calavera bead by Melissa Clear
I ADORE!! Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, you know that....it's the Mexican holiday of honoring and remembering those that have passed. I love the art and images, colors and traditions. In many cultures it is taboo to talk about death, to dwell on it, but this Mexican tradition celebrates the memories and lives of loved ones.
So...how about a Bloglandia style celebration of this holiday? Susanna and I would like to host a Dia de los Muertos party. Are you game? You can create an Ofrenda, a journal page, a story, an artwork...an entire Day of the Dead celebration...anything you'd like. Just leave a comment here and at Susanna's if you'd like to play and on Sunday, November 2nd post your photos, art and/or stories. We'll have a page of links so we can all go 'round and celebrate our art, friends and families.
Feel free to use this button to tell others about the party.
What exactly is Dia de los Muertos? Once a year on November 1st (for children, dia de los Inocentes)and November 2nd (All Saints Day) families build Ofrendas, alters that contain photographs, the favorite foods and drinks of the dead...clothing, marigolds....lots of marigolds, sugar skulls and other art, anything that brings to mind the one that has passed away. The vibrant artwork depicting skeletons doing worldly things, bread shaped into skulls, garlands of marigolds are used to decorate Ofrendas, cemeteries and homes in honor and celebration of the deceased. Need some ideas?? Read on....
This is an alter that Mr R created for his mother, father and daughter, candles are lit and it is decorated with marigolds this time of year. It contains photographs of his parents, both as young people and as grama and grampa to Tess, a little horse to remind us of his mothers collections, pictures of John Wayne....her fav...as well as crosses and rosaries.
The Lakewood Cultural Center has a Day of the Dead exhibit of work by Colorado artist Carlos Fresquez.
His paintings, prints and installations honor and celebrate his family and cultural heritage. This show is not to be missed if you happen to be in the area.
Jose Guadalupe Posada was a graphic artist in the late 1800's that wrote and illustrated for newspapers and political satire. After his death his work was re-discovered and is credited with inspiring images for Dia de los Muertos and has since inspired many artists.
A journal page I created for Mr R's mom and my 2 grandmothers...
I hope you ALL join the party! Remember to leave me a comment here then go on over to Susanna's and leave her a comment as well so we can begin adding links....now go off and create and post on Sunday, November 2nd.
Please add me to the party! I am participating!
Posted by: Yoli | October 08, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Heck ya! Count me in!!! I'll do a couple of blog posts ahead of time and then blog about our ofrenda making/sugar skull party!! What an amazingly great idea. I love it! It will be so cool to see everyone's celebrations!! xo frannie
Posted by: Fran Meneley | October 08, 2008 at 10:50 AM
oh, exciting! What a great idea!
Posted by: liannallama | October 08, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I'd like to join in. Have recently been thinking about honoring my parents who are both gone on my blog and this will be just the motivation. Thanks for offering this.
Nelly
Posted by: bellanella | October 08, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Superb! I came across your site through Du buh Du Designs and Oh I am so thrilled I find this site! I would love to contribute to your Bloglandia Party! Count Me in!
It is very nice to meet you.
~Smiles, Ann-Denise
Posted by: Ann-Denise Anderson | October 08, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Count me in!
This sounds a really wonderful festival.
There is a little shop in Greenwich village which has all sorts of wonderful Mexican things ....I must go and look at it.
I adore your characters from the post above.
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 08, 2008 at 03:06 PM
ooooooooooohhhhh i love love love to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, as this time of year holds so much meaning to me. so i would absolutely love to participate!!! i am new-ish to the blog community and am finding these blog parties to be such a fantastic way of meeting new creative beauties. thanks so very much for hosting!!! i can't wait!!!
oh so many ideas are flooding in... ooohhh day of the dead shrine boxes for sure!!! and perhaps a giveaway as well!!!
Posted by: jennlui | October 08, 2008 at 06:44 PM
We would love to join in the celebration.
Posted by: Amanda @ A Tuscan view... | October 09, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Yes!! Please count me in!! Sounds like a wonderful fiesta to me!
Xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | October 09, 2008 at 05:54 PM
I'd love to participate. Please put my name down...! xo
Posted by: Gillian | October 09, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Oh what a grand idea, Stephanie! I participated in a group Dia de los Muertos gallery exhibit a few years ago, and creating altars for my mom and grandparents felt so healing...
NaNoWriMo is also coming up in November, and I'd promised myself I wouldn't jump into a lot of other things during that time this year - but oh, how you're tempting me!
xOx
Posted by: tinker | October 11, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Great idea! I loved the Bloglandia Halloween ball last year, and I would love to participate in the Dia de Los Muertos party here this time around.
Posted by: JulieZS | October 11, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Sounds interesting. I've always been interested in the Day of the Dead...I'd like to participate in the festivities.
Posted by: Teresa | October 12, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Please count me in! Living here in Az. I shall find lots of goodies to share.
Posted by: gemma | October 13, 2008 at 07:06 AM
love it! i will play too.
-Roberta
Posted by: quilted cavalier | October 13, 2008 at 07:28 AM