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 Saint Paul's West Side 2008
Download; Day of the Dead info Brochure, Event Flyer English, Spanish
Origins of Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead celebrations can be traced back to the indigenous peoples such as the Olmec, Zapotex, Mixtec, Mexica, Aztec, Maya, P’urhepecha, and Totonac. Rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations for as long 3000 years.
The festival that became the modern Day of the Dead fell in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar about the beginning of August, and was celebrated for an entire month. The festivities were dedicated to Mictlancihuatl, known as the "Lady of the Dead."
In most regions of Mexico, November 1st honors deceased children and infants where as deceased adults are honored on November 2nd. This is indicated by generally referring to November 1st mainly as "Día de los Inocentes" (Day of the Innocents) but also as "Día de los Angelitos" (Day of the Little Angels) and November 2nd as "Día de los Muertos" or "Día de los Difuntos" (Day of the Dead).
Today in schools and communities across the United States, this celebration has become an multicultural celebration where all people can participate in honoring those who have come before them and do so with their own personal and cultural expressions.
The Celebration and Ceremony
This ceremony is dedicated to remembering and honoring those who died between 0 and 12 years of age. Because the lives of our young are so cherished, rich and beautiful, the traditions of Dia de los Muertos has given one night to honor the children. In ancient times 20 days was given to remember the children.
During this ceremony the dancers will do one dance for each of the 5 main ofrendas followed by the lighting of the candles. This will be done only on the Children's ofrenda which is in the direction of the South – the direction of the children. Only these candles will be lit as this night if for them.
Saturday Novemeber 1, 2008 - Dia de los Muertos
This ceremony is for everyone who is being remembered, honored and celebrated. During this ceremony there will be 13 dances; 4 dances for each of the ofrendas in the 4 direction, 4 danzas for the stages of life (see next page for explanation), 4 danzas to celebrate life in the face of death and the 13th Danza for the community ofrenda.
Sequence of events beginning at 6 PM on Saturday:
- Procession beginning at La Placita
- Grand Entrance from the Procession to Neighborhood House
- Blowing of the concha honoring the directions and calling the honored guests
- First Four Danzas honoring the Ofrendas
- Lighting of the Candles by community women Elders
- Four Danzas honoring the four stages of life
- Four Celebrations Danzas (These 4 danzas are optional depending on the amount of time we have been dancing with respect to leaving time for the community feast that follows)
- Closing Danza
- Community invited to come forward and read the ofrendas and to share with others the stories being told
- Feast; Pan de Muerto, hot chocolate, food and more.
- Bon Fire Outside
About The Ofrendas
The Ofrenda is one of the most well known parts of Dia de los Muertos and the tradition of building one dates back more than 3000 years. The ofrenda is a constructed space people create to share the stories about a person through images, foods and things that show how that person lived. When you read an ofrenda you might learn about that persons favorite food, pass time, or beverage. You may also learn what that person was passionate about; their familia, community service, church and music to name a few.
The Center 5 Ofrendas
You will notice there are 5 ofrendas in the center area that were built by the Danzantes. There will be one in each direction and each one will be dedicated to the following; North – Dedicated to the elders (52 and older), South – Dedicated to the Children (12 and under), East – Men and Warriors (women are warriors too), West – Women, Center – Community Ofrenda that reflects the local community.
They are built like a pyramid 4 levels high representing the 4 stages of life; First Level, Yellow (Children), Second Level, Red (Youth), Third Level, Green (Adults), Fourth Level, Blue (Elders), Top, facing up, White (Afterlife)
Special Remembrance Ofrendas
Between the 5 center ofrendas are family ofrendas that are dedicated to the memory of those who have died due to violence. These ofrendas are built in honor and remembrance of the lives they lived. We give thanks to the families for sharing their loved stories and memories with all of us as in doing so, our community has come together.
Surrounding Ofrendas
Surrounding the center ofrendas are ofrendas built by community members. This space is open to anyone who wishes to remember someone. You do not need permission to build an ofrenda in this space, you only need to let us know you wish to build one and a space will be provided. We are very honored as many community ofrendas have been built for this years celebration. If you wish to build an ofrenda please call Felipe at 651-353-0687.
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