Dia de los Muertos • El Paso

Dia de los Muertos items at the Busy Lady Gift Shop, 5034 Doniphan

2011-11-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here's just a tiny sample of the wonderful assortment of Dia de los Muertos items at The Busy Lady Gift Shop, 5034 Doniphan on El Paso's westside. I'm pretty confident that the store has El Paso's best selection of Dia de los Muertos items in the area. Give them a visit or a call at 915-637-5168. The store is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Feliz Dia de los Muertos, El Paso

2011-11-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Today, November 2, is Dia de los Muertos, or All Souls Day. Feast and drink with your loved ones who have passed.

Dia de los Muertos 2011 - Centro Mayapan - October 30, 2011

2011-11-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

Folklorico dancers performing in the zapateado style of Veracruz, Mexico.

Ofrendas at Centro Mayapan

Ofrenda for El Paso artist and sculptor Luis Jimenez

An ofrenda to legendary El Pasoan bandleader Don Tosti, creater of "Pachuco Boogie"

Son jarocho group Los Utrera's performance at Centro Mayapan...

Dia de los Muertos events in Mesilla, New Mexico - October 28, 2011

2011-11-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos of ofrendas on the first night of Dia de los Muertos events on Mesilla Plaza.

Dia de los Muertos in Las Cruces, New Mexico

2011-10-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Events in Mesilla, New Mexico begin this Friday!

Dia de los Muertos at Centro Mayapan

2011-10-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

Dia de los Muertos comic strip - Skeletown

2011-10-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

Awesome art by Rhode Montijo! Can't wait for the book! Check out more at http://skeletown.com/

Dia De Los Muertos at Concordia Cemetery

2011-10-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Event is November 2, 2011 from 4-8 PM

Link to story

More event information from Paso del Norte Paranormal Society

Dia de los Muertos exhibit at Las Cruces' Branigan Center

2011-10-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Link to story

Dia de los Muertos ofrenda at El Paso Museum of Archaeology

2011-10-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

An ofrenda commemorating Día de los Muertos by El Paso artist Lizzie Ochoa will be on display at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology from October 25 through November 6, 2011. Ochoa will offer a Zip Tour of her ofrenda on Sunday, October 30 and Saturday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free. The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is located at 4301 Transmountain Road.

Dia de los Muertos 2011 at Centro Mayapan

2011-10-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

Centro Mayapan is bringing back the wonderful son jarocho group Los Utrera for the Dia de los Muertos festivities this year! Check out their Facebook page, too!

Event is Saturday, October 29 at from 3-10 pm and Sunday, October 30 from noon to 5:00 pm

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=252073784828542

Feliz Dia de los Muertos, El Paso

2010-11-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today is Dia de los Muertos. Raise a glass, have a drink and share some memories with your loved ones who have passed.

Ofrendas, Mesilla Plaza, Mesilla, New Mexico

2010-11-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Ofrenda photos from the Dia de los Muertos event in Mesilla, New Mexico. October 31, 2010

Cempasuchil (Flor de Muerto) at Centro Mayapan - El Paso, Texas - 2010

2010-10-31T00:17:00.000-07:00

Cempasuchil (Flor de Muerto) at Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, October 30, 2010.

Folklorico dancers, Centro Mayapan, Dia de los Muertos - El Paso, 2010

2010-10-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

This year's Dia de los Muertos celebration at Centro Mayapan was in honor of Mexico's state of Chiapas.

Ofrendas, Centro Mayapan, Dia de los Muertos El Paso, 2010

2010-10-31T00:12:00.000-07:00

This ofrenda was for Don Tosti, El Paso "pachuco" bandleader and musician, and one of the original zoot suiters, an underground movement which started here in El Paso in the 1930s. El Paso's nickname "El Chuco" is a shortened form of "pachuco." Tosti wrote the song "Pachuco Boogie" and many others songs which incorporate caló, the slang dialect often used by pachucos. There are still a few elders in El Paso still speak caló.

Ofrendas from Dia de los Muertos at Centro Mayapan. Photos taken October 30, 2010.

Cempasuchil (Flor de Muerto) at my home

2010-10-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

This is the third year I have successfully grown cempasuchil (flor de muerto) at my home. Cempasuchil is also known as Mexican marigold, and grows much taller than the traditional marigolds we can buy at a store. They are approximately three feet tall, and are the traditional flor de muerto (flower of the dead) used to decorate ofrendas during Dia de los Muertos. They are easily reseeded every year. I started mine with flowers from the Dia de los Muertos celebration that I got at Centro Mayapan in 2007. These photos were taken on October 30, 2010 in my back yard. Although they are quite hardy, they are native to Oaxaca, and need more water here in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Pan de Muerto, Ranch Market, El Paso, Texas

2010-10-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

The Ranch Market in El Paso has Pan de Muerto (at the amazingly low price of $1.29!) this year. I picked up two different types today — the more traditional type with cinnamon and sugar on top and one with sesame seeds on top!

Artwork for Dia de los Muertos - Centro Mayapan 2010

2010-10-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the artwork for the Centro Mayapan 2010 Dia de los Muertos event!

Dia de los Muertos art show at Nopalito's Gallery - Las Cruces

2010-10-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Nopalito's Gallery in Las Cruces will be hosting a Dia de los Muertos art exhibit through November 30. The gallery is located at 326 S. Mesquite Street. On October 30, artist's receptions will be held at 4PM and 6PM. Among the artists are Rosario Jeremias, Requel Ortiz, Jean de la O, Irma Lee, Lorenzo Zepeda and Patricia Lawrence. Nopalito's Gallery is open from 1 to 3 PM Fridays and noon to 4PM Saturdays.

Dia de los Muertos 101 - A Guide to Day of the Dead

2010-10-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a nice article on Las Cruces Sun-News writer S. Derrickson Moore's blog, Las Cruces Style. Many definitions about Dia de los Muertos!

Las Cruces Style Dia de los Muertos 101 - A Guide to Day of the Dead

Dia de los Muertos 2010 events in Las Cruces and Mesilla

2010-10-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Las Cruces Sun News has posted a calendar of events going on in Las Cruces and Mesilla. The annual displays on the square in Old Mesilla are listed, as well as events and gallery displays at the Branigan Cultural Center.

Las Cruces and Mesilla events are posted here!

A few El Paso Dia de los Muertos events...

2010-10-11T09:17:00.001-07:00

Some Dia de los Muertos events in the El Paso area are starting to trickle in.

On Saturday, October 30, the El Paso Public Library is celebrating the Great Southwest Book Festival at the library's downtown location, 501 N. Oregon.

From 11AM to 12:30PM, Donna Snyder and Raquel Mejia will host a creative writing workshop on writing calaveras. Besides the literal translation of "skulls," calaveras are also poems which are written for the Day of the Dead, but are intended to be critical of the living in a humorous way.

At noon, there will be a kids Dia de los Muertos costume parade.

Other non-Dia de los Muertos events will also as part of the festival, including keynote speaker (and former coworker of mine) David Dorado Romo, author of the fantastic "Ringside Seat to a Revolution," a study on many of the underground happenings and lesser-known history of El Paso and Juarez.

For the full schedule of events, visit: El Paso Public Library Dia de los Muertos 2010 events

Dia de los Muertos - Centro Mayapan 2010

2010-10-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Not a lot of info yet, but according to the Mercado Mayapan / La Mujer Obrera Web site, this year's Dia de los Muertos event will be representative of Chiapas, and will be held Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31 from 3-10 PM. I'll post more data as it becomes available.

Day of the Dead: A Pictorial Archive of Dia de Los Muertos

2010-08-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

I just received this fantastic book from the folks at Amazon. Day of the Dead: A Pictorial Archive of Dia de los Muertos by Jean Moss is, at a little less than fourteen bucks, an amazing buy. Included with the book is a CD with ALL 187 of the images enclosed on it. Virtually every José Guadalupe Posada woodcut associated with Dia de los Muertos is included, among the works of other artists. Best of all, the images are royalty-free!

Purchase the book here!

Documentary DVDs about Dia de los Muertos

2009-11-02T23:51:00.000-08:00

I own three documentary DVDs about Dia de los Muertos, varying in quality. The first, and best is "Tradiciones Mexicanas: Dia de Muertos." This one is presented entirely in Spanish, but English subtitles are available. This documentary goes deep into many of the traditions, and includes recipe demonstrations for making molé.

Order Tradiciones Mexicanas: Dia de Muertos here!

The second is "Food for the Ancestors: The Mexican Celebration of the Days of the Dead," produced by PBS. Similar in format to "Tradiciones Mexicanas: Dia de Muertos," it relates the heritage of food and how it relates to Dia de los Muertos.

"The Day of the Dead" was the first documentary about Dia de los Muertos I found on DVD, and I've had it for a few years now. This DVD focuses on Dia de los Muertos celebrations in California, and features the Latin band Quetzal. Lots of great music on this one!

Order Food for the Ancestors here!

Order Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Family and Life here!

All these DVDs are fairly available, and are extremely reasonable! I bought "Tradiciones Mexicanas: Dia de Muertos" for about six dollars!

There are a few movies that have Dia de los Muertos themes. The first notable one is John Huston's 1984 film adaptation of Malcolm Lowery's "Under the Volcano." There are numerous film sequences of ofrendas and accurately depicted scenes at a cemetery. The opening title montage has a fantastic sequence of traditional Dia de los Muertos folk art.

Under the Volcano can be ordered here!

Robert Rodriguez's "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" features a Dia de los Muertos parade sequence, and with Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas, is just a heckuva fun film anyway!

Once Upon a Time in Mexico can be ordered here!

"El Muerto / The Dead One" starring Wilmer Valderrama of "That 70s Show" is a low-budget movie that plays liberally with elements of Dia de los Muertos, but is still worth a peek. It's based on Javier Hernandez' "El Muerto" comic book.

El Muerto / The Dead One can be ordered here!

Dia de los Muertos - Morelos at Mercado Mayapan - November 1, 2009

2009-11-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

Mercado Mayapan (Centro Mayapan / La Mujer Obrera) hosted the largest Dia de los Muertos event in El Paso this year. 2009 was dedicated to the Mexican state of Morelos. Attendance has grown almost every year at Mercado Mayapan's Dia de los Muertos event.

The events throughout the city were more limited as opposed to a few years ago. 2007 was an exceptional year for events, including the culture cruise throughout town (and in Ciudad Juarez — just a few months before violence in the city erupted). 2009 was the first year that the city had not hosted its own event (or partnered with a sponsor) in quite a while. One can only assume that budget cutbacks and the state of the economy are reasons for the slimming of events. Let's hope we can get back on track — Dia de los Muertos is good for the culture of the city and the area.

The photos below are from the celebration at Mercado Mayapan, on November 1, 2009

Dia de los Muertos events in Mesilla, New Mexico - October 31, 2009

2009-11-02T23:03:00.000-08:00

A few photos from the annual Dia de los Muertos event on the plaza in Mesilla, New Mexico. Photos from October 31, 2009.

Dia de los Muertos exhibit - Branigan Cultural Center - Las Cruces, NM

2009-10-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here's some of the artwork at the juried exhibit at Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The show runs through November 7, and the museum is open from M-F, 10 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Visit the Branigan Cultural Center at 501 N. Main Street on the north end of the Downtown Mall.

Jackalope de los Muertos, by Liz Nielsen

Every Bone Tells a Story, by Susan Wester Perez

Our Lady of the Dead, by Christy Lou Sexton

We're Halfway There Baby!, by Flo Hosa Dougherty

Paul's Ride, by Charlotte Driver

Mejores Amigos / Best Friends, by Anick Olmsted

Tierra y Libertad, by Pamela Enriquez Courts

Cihulatampa, Region of the Dead, by Rita Morones

A view of the exhibit at the Branigan Cultural Center, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Dia de los Muertos art show at Sunland Art Gallery

2009-10-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

The Sunland Art Gallery in Sunland Park Mall has a nice Dia de los Muertos art show, featuring work by Candy & Charlie Mayer, Teri Spicer, Romy Hawkins, Winfrey Hearst, Jennifer Stapher-Thomas, L. B. McKay, Krystyna Robbins, Marji Carrasco, Melissa Urquidi-Bonham, Cil Abeyta, Nancy Diaz and Janet Aboud. Original art, as well as very affordable prints are being sold. The show is being held October 2-31, 2009. For more information, call 584-3117.

Masks y Mas - Albuquerque, New Mexico

2009-09-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Took a quick trip up to Albuquerque...thought you'd enjoy the front of Masks Y Mas as it appears now...plus a cool detail shot! Be sure to check out the store on Central Avenue, right near the University of New Mexico campus.

Dia de los Muertos 2008 - Mesilla, New Mexico, November 2, 2008

2008-11-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Dia de los Muertos 2008 - Mesilla, New Mexico - November 2, 2008

2008-11-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Festivities in Mesilla, New Mexico, November 2, 2008

A mannequin that's been "muerto-ized"...

This large altar is in memory and honors all the American soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan

Dia de los Muertos - Centro Mayapan - El Paso, Texas - November 1, 2008

2008-11-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

This year's festival at Centro Mayapan focused on the Yucatan Peninsula

Dia de los Muertos - Centro Mayapan - November 1, 2008

2008-11-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

More photos from Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, November 1, 2008

Loaves of pan de muerto

Paper-maché skulls for sale

Dia de los Muertos 2008 El Paso - Centro Mayapan - November 1, 2008 - Set 1

2008-11-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Ofrendas at Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, November 1, 2008

Dia de los Muertos - Altars inside the El Paso Public Library - Downtown

2008-11-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

A few ofrendas (altars) inside the El Paso Public Library - Downtown Branch

Ofrenda to Frida Kahlo

Another beautiful ofrenda

Dia de los Muertos 2008 - Events at the El Paso Museum of History

2008-11-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

Another year of celebration here in El Paso! Here are some photos from the El Paso Museum of History, November 1, 2008!

Ofrenda outside the Museum.

Folklorico dancers

Husband and wife mojingangas in a humorous dance

Dia de los Muertos 2008 events - Mesilla, New Mexico

2008-10-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to Dia de los Muertos events in Mesilla. Catch the events in El Paso on Saturday, then head north on Sunday!

Dia de los Muertos events in Las Cruces / Mesilla, New Mexico

2008 Dia de los Muertos - A Celebration of Life - El Paso, Texas

2008-10-28T08:10:00.001-07:00

The City of El Paso and the El Paso Times has published a listing ofall the Dia de los Muertos events throughout the city. It appears thatthis year's events have been pared back from recent years. I could bewrong. What I'm not seeing is a single, large event like the one that took place downtown just outside of Union Plaza last year. I still highly recommend the Dia de los Muertos event at Centro Mayapán, which consistently is fantastic.

Schedule of events from the City of El Paso

Here is the schedule of events from the El Paso Times

Photos of my daughter and me at Dia de los Muertos 2007, Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas

2008-09-27T23:54:00.000-07:00

While finishing a delicious bowl of Sopa Azteca the other day at Café Mayapán, I ran in to Arturo and Vallarie Enriquez of Vantage Point Studios. Art reminded me that he had taken a few photos of my daughter and me at last year's Dia de los Muertos celebration at Centro Mayapan, and sent them to me a few days later. Thanks to Vantage Point for allowing me to share the photos!

Give Vantage Point Studios a visit! They're one of El Paso's finest!

Centro Mayapan Dia de los Muertos 2008 poster - El Paso

2008-09-21T23:30:00.001-07:00

Here is the poster for Centro Mayapan's Dia de los Muertos 2008 celebration here in El Paso!

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's Dia de los Muertos perfume oil

2008-09-21T23:24:00.001-07:00

A Dia de los Muertos fragrance? Yes at Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab.

"A joyous celebration of La Catrina, La Flaca, La Muerte... Glorious, Beautiful Death. In Mexico, death is not something to be feared or hated; She is embraced, loved, and adored. La Muerte is fêted, as the celebrant "...chases after it, mocks it, courts it, hugs it, sleeps with it; it is his favorite plaything and his most lasting love." This is a Mexican paean to La Huesuda: dry, crackling leaves, the incense smoke of altars honoring Death and the Dead, funeral bouquets, the
candies, chocolates, foods and tobacco of the ofrenda, amaranth, sweet cactus blossom and desert cereus."

La Catrina Mexican Grill & Cantina - El Paso, Texas

2008-09-17T12:16:00.001-07:00

I haven't visited there yet, but it seems completely appropriate for the Dia de los Muertos - El Paso website! Right across from my office is the new La Catrina Mexican Grill & Cantina (317 East Mills). Cool artwork on the front of the place!

Finding copal in El Paso

2008-09-12T15:10:00.001-07:00

I recently received an email about where to find copal resin in El Paso. Of course, incense is easy to find, but copal is another story.

First, a little about what copal is. Copal is a resin (dried sap) of the copal tree, which is more common in southern Mexico. This resin is often burned on ofrendas (altars) during Dia de los Muertos. The word copal is derived from the Nahuatl word copalli, meaning "incense." The resin can come in many forms; milky white, black and the most common, pale yellow. Copal's fragrance imparts a very smoky, cedar aroma. I absolutely love it, but many find it oppressive.

Copal resin is most typically burned on little charcoal burners, which are available at virtually any store that sells incense. (A foil-wrapped tube runs about $2-$3 for ten burners).

Copal incense can also be found in stick and smudge form, although they do not impart the genuine qualities as the resin. It tends to have a sweeter smell.

Copal resin can be found at the following places in El Paso and surrounding areas. These are the only ones I know of, but would appreciate it if readers could drop me a line if they discover it somewhere else. Be sure to call first to see if these places have it in stock.

Cool Arrows - 2000 N. Lee Trevino - 915-592-8877
Cool Arrows - 1226 McRae Blvd., 915-590-2200
Cool Arrows - 800 N Zaragoza - 915-790-2090
Cool Arrows - 4948 Hondo Pass - 915-755-3303
El Paso Museum of Art Gift Store - 1 Festival Arts Plaza - 915-532-1707
Funky Karma Incense & Tea Shop - 207 Avenida de Mesilla - Las Cruces, NM - 575-635-2275

Dia de los Muertos 2008 information - El Paso, Texas

2008-09-12T14:33:00.001-07:00

Bits and pieces of information are beginning to come in for the 2008 celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) here in El Paso, Texas.

This year's event at Centro Mayapán will be focused on the peninsular area of Mexico (last year was Veracruz; the year before, Oaxaca). The dates and times have yet to be finalized. After a great lunch at Café Mayapán, I saw that they also have forms to fill out for people who would like to create and display an altar.

Dia de los Muertos dance performance in El Paso's Philanthropy Theatre

2007-11-07T07:46:00.000-08:00
Someone posted a video of an excellent dance performance from the Philanthropy Theatre in downtown El Paso. This was also performed twice during the Dia de los Muertos festival in Union Plaza by the same group. The music, which is "Cabaret Hoover" from the film "The Triplets of Belleville," is a perfect complement to this skeletal dance. All credit for this goes to the cinematographer.

Skeleton dance

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Centro Mayapan

2007-11-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

Ofrendas at Centro Mayapan. Photos taken at Festival Dia de los Muertos at Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, November 3, 2007.

The wonderful Son Jarocho group from Veracruz — Son de Madera. Photos taken at Festival Dia de los Muertos at Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, November 3, 2007.

Ofrendas at Centro Mayapan. Photos taken at Festival Dia de los Muertos at Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, November 3, 2007.

My daughter as a Catrina. Photos taken at Festival Dia de los Muertos at Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, November 3, 2007.

A very tired Catrina three hours later, and yours truly — Mondo Loco. We were stopped several times for photos, including El Diario and What's Up. Photo taken at Festival Dia de los Muertos at Centro Mayapan, El Paso, Texas, November 3, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Celebration at Union Plaza

2007-11-03T23:16:00.000-07:00
Processional through Union Plaza. Photos taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

Dancers at Union Plaza. Photo taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

Dancers watch a fellow troupe. Photo taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

El Paso artist Cesar Ivan with one of his hand-made esqueleto marionettes. I'm glad to own one! Photo taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

Papel picado streamers adorn Union Plaza. Photo taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

Candles, marigolds and water on an ofrenda. Water is a common offering during Dia de los Muertos. Others includes salt, pan de muertos and fruit. Photo taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

This ofrenda was in honor of El Paso's police and firefighters fallen in the line of duty. Photo taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

Sugar skulls adorn an ofrenda. Photo taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

Sugar skulls being sold by El Paso Calavera Company. Photos taken at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Union Plaza, El Paso, Texas, November 2, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Mexican Consulate

2007-11-01T22:50:00.001-07:00
Sugar skulls and flores de muertos or cempasuchil (marigolds, the traditional flower of Dia de los Muertos)

The proverbially cool Marina Monsisvais and her hubby as La Catrína and El Catrín.

These photos are from the magnificent ofrenda for Frida Kahlo at the Mexican Consulate. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Adair Margo Gallery

2007-11-01T22:48:00.001-07:00
Ofrenda to El Paso artist Tom Lea. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Clarkston Art, Guitars & Gifts

2007-11-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Ofrenda to Vincent Van Gogh. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Tourist Distractions Gallery

2007-11-01T22:43:00.001-07:00
Ofrenda honoring fallen El Paso soldiers lost in the war in Iraq. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - El Paso Chile Company

2007-11-01T22:41:00.001-07:00
One of several beautiful, large painted paper maché skulls at El Paso Chile Company. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Hal Marcus Gallery

2007-11-01T22:37:00.001-07:00

I purchased the figure in the left of this photo (female calavera kneeling in front of casket).

Original artwork, folk art pieces and large ofrenda at the Hal Marcus Gallery. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - Marie Otero Salon

2007-11-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

Artwork at Marie Otero Salon. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - El Paso Museum of Art - Part 2

2007-11-01T22:30:00.001-07:00

Ofrenda to Frida Kahlo, in honor of the centennial of her birth. Inside the El Paso Museum of Art gift shop. Photos taken during the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - El Paso Museum of Art, Part 1

2007-11-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Some of the many Dia de los Muertos folk art pieces for sale at the El Paso Museum of Art's gift shop. Photos taken during the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - El Paso Public Library

2007-11-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Photos from the El Paso Public Library, Downtown Branch. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Dia de los Muertos 2007 - El Paso - El Paso Museum of History

2007-11-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

Photos from the El Paso Museum of History. Ofrenda dedicated to Teresita Urrea. Part of the Culture Cruise to Die For, November 1, 2007.

Three excellent Dia de los Muertos books for children

2007-10-25T09:12:00.000-07:00
I wanted to show three of the best Dia de los Muertos books for children (and adults, too). Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book by illustrator/author Jeanette Winter is filled with fantastic illustrations. The alphabet portion is wrapped within the story of three generations of family that make paper mache calavera for Dia de los Muertos. A great choice for young ones, but even if you don't have children at home, it's still an excellent choice and very fun.

Calavera Abecedario

Day of the Dead complements Calavera Abecedario perfectly. Jeanette Winter provided illustrations for Tony Johnston's book, which is the about the the preparation and celebration of Dia de los Muertos.Ideal for ages 4-8.

Day of the Dead

The Festival of Bones / El Festival de los Calaveras by Luis San Vicente is a fun one, with lots of nods to the woodcuts of Jose Guadalupe Posada. Presented in English and Spanish, the skeletons come to life and will delight your children. Appropriate for ages 5 to 8.

The Festival of Bones

Esqueletos from Cesar Ivan to go on sale downtown; paintings at Lumenbrite Café

2007-10-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

I received a nice email from El Paso artist Cesar Ivan that he'll be selling his handmade skeletons at the downtown Dia de los Muertos festivities. Think I'll have to get one! They look great!

Also, here's a link to a Dia de los Muertos poem by Cesar, as well as some of his Dia de los Muertos-inspired paintings.

Cesar Ivan paintings

Cesar is showing some of his paintings at Lumenbrite Café, so check 'em out!

2007 Dia de los Muertos events at Centro Mayapan

2007-10-08T22:26:00.000-07:00
One of El Paso's best places to learn about Dia de los Muertos is at Centro Mayapan. This year's festivities will be held on Saturday, November 3 from 3 to 10PM.

One of the best parts of Centro Mayapan's Dia de los Muertos event is the music. This year, the theme is based around the the musical style of son jarocho, which comes from Veracruz, Mexico. If you're not familiar with son jarocho, it is amazingly complex folk music played on instruments such as the requinto jarocho, a four-stringed guitar similar to a ukelele and the arpa (harp). Popular son jarocho songs include El Cascabel ("The Little Bell") and La Bamba. I play sones jarochos and sones huestecos (another style of Mexican folk music) on my porch whenever I'm relaxing or working outside. They are both styles that I have truly come to love.

The group performing at this year's Centro Mayapan Dia de los Muertos event is Son de Madera — one of the most renowned son jarocho groups. I have two of their albums, and I can certainly say that they are one of the best groups in my collection.

Centro Mayapan will also have altars, food — including many styles of molé (a blend of chocolate and chile) and champurrado (a sweet, hot beverage made from cornmeal), vendors and dancing.

Centro Mayapan is located at 2000 Texas Avenue. For more information, call Lorenzo at 533-9710.

I'll see you there!

Finding Dia de los Muertos items in the El Paso area

2007-09-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

There are not too many places to find Dia de los Muertos figures and artwork in El Paso. Here are a few that I know of, but be aware that the selection is probably very limited. If you are aware of others, please drop me a line and let me know.

Casa de Emma (5034-A Doniphan in Placita Santa Fe). One of the best places for Mexican Folk Art, there's a small but selection of small clay figures and larger Catrinas. Items can be found year-round. UPDATE: Note: Sadly, Emma closed her shop in Summer, 2009.

El Paso Museum of Art Gift Shop - Downtown El Paso in the Museum of Art - A small selection of items year-round, which tends to pick up toward Dia de los Muertos.

Collectibles (4700 N. Mesa) on North Mesa has a couple of seasonal items.

GaleriAzul and Galeria on the Plaza in historic Old Mesilla (just outside of Las Cruces) carry items year-round.

Spirit Winds (2260 S Locust St, off of University) in Las Cruces has a nice selection of Day of the Dead items.

Now, of course, items for the ofrenda (altar) are a different matter. Whether its offerings of food, cigarettes, candies, toys, liquor or whatever the deceased loved one may have loved in the earthly world, look no further than a small tienda or supermarket.

Copal, the resin incense often burned during Dia de los Muertos can be found at any of the Cool Arrows locations throughout El Paso.

Excellent El Paso Dia de los Muertos photographs, 2005 & 2006

2007-09-17T08:33:00.000-07:00
I found this very nice set of El Paso Dia de los Muertos photos on the web. Some are from the 2005 Texas Rasquache Festival, some are from last year's festivities. Would love to hear from the photographer to give proper credit!

El Paso Dia de los Muertos photos

El Paso Dia de los Muertos 2007 events calendar

2007-09-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the City of El Paso's banner for Dia de los Muertos 2007 events, plus link below for the full calendar.

City of El Paso's Dia de los Muertos web page

Masks y Mas - Albuquerque, NM!

2007-08-25T23:18:00.001-07:00
I travel up to Albuquerque two or three times yearly. One of my "must-stops" is Masks y Mas on Central Avenue, in the heart of "the Drag," which is the University of New Mexico's college strip. Still, despite my 38 years, I love it. Masks y Mas is quite possibly, the best resource for Dia de los Muertos items in the United States. Here are some photos of just a sampling of their wares. Visit them at www.masksymas.net. Or call (505)-256-4183.

I caught my favorite band, Los Lobos, at the Albuquerque Zoo (the second time my wife, daughter and I have seen them there) on August 18. A great show as always.

Dia de los Muertos is fast approaching, and the word is, the festivities here in El Paso will be even more than last year. But if you're visiting Albuquerque, definitely stop by Masks y Mas. It's phenomenal.

I added one of these clay skulls to my ever-expanding collection!

A huge selection of Catrinas!

More photos of the Dia de los Muertos celebration at La Mujer Obrera, El Paso, Texas, 2006

2006-11-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Beck plays unannounced show at Black Market's Dia de los Muertos art show!

2006-11-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

Here's one that will go down in El Paso lore. Beck played an unannounced, impromptu gig at El Paso's own Black Market. I was heading to the Black Market for the Dia de los Muertos art show anyway, and got a tip from my buddy Zach Passero that Beck was there and was going to play a short gig. I didn't have a camera with me; I was at a store getting a new battery for my car. I quickly snapped up a $5 idiot camera and squeezed into the show. Beck played a 45-minute set on borrowed instruments, kicking it off with "Black Tambourine." Other songs included "Where It's At," "Devil's Haircut, "Que Onda Guero?, "Nicotine and Gravy," "Hell Yes" and tracks from his new album, The Information. Sorry for the image quality, but luckily Zach had his digital SLR with his, and promised to get me some photos to post. Wow! What a great night!!!!

Dia de los Muertos links

2006-11-02T08:24:00.000-08:00
Dia de los Muertos events in various cities

The City of El Paso's Dia de los Muertos 2006 events

The City of Los Angeles' Dia de los Muertos 2007 events
This is the largest Dia de los Muertos celebration in the United States. It's also known as teh "Hollywood Forever" Dia de los Muertos. Several great videos and photos here.

The City of Oakland's Dia de los Muertos 2007 events (Fruitvale Village)

The City of San Francisco's Dia de los Muertos 2007 events

Information, history, culture and photos

AZ Central's Dia de los Muertos site... tons of great links

Building an Altar for Dia de los Muertos from La Bloga

Casa de Calaveras

Children's books for Dia de los Muertos

Common misconceptions about Day of the Dead from insidemexico.com

Dayofthedead.com

Day of the Dead Folk Art

Day of the Dead from MexOnline

Dia de los Muertos art and images

Dia de los Muertos eCards

Dia de los Muertos at the Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts

Dia de los Muertos from InsideMexico

Dia de los Muertos from Mexico Coonnect

Dia de los Muertos from Northern Notes

Dia de los Muertos from OaxacaLive

Dia de los Muertos homecoming from Viva Oaxaca

Dia de los Muertos recipes

Dia de los Muertos Wikipedia entry

Diademuertos.com

Diadelosmuertos.us

Dias de los Muertos

Free Dia de los Muertos icons from IconFactory

GoMexico's Dia de los Muertos photo gallery

El Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead from Farstrider.com...lots of photos

El Dia de los Muertos from Halloween on the Web

El Dia de los Muertos from HoustonCulture.org

Los Dias de los Muertos

Sugar Skulls

The People's Guide to Mexico: Day of the Dead

Top Five Dia de los Muertos destinations

Why do Mexicans celebrate on Day of the Dead?

José Guadalupe Posada - the artist who created many images commonly associated with Dia de los Muertos

Calaveras

José Guadalupe Posada

José Guadalupe Posada's calavera prints

José Guadalupe Posada: His Art and Times

José Guadalupe Posada - His Calaveras

José Guadalupe Posaga - an excellent resource!

Los Calaveras de Posada

Dia de los Muertos items for sale:

Alamo Fiesta

Calacas-Culture/Clothing/Curios

Corazon de Pueblo

Latin Works Co.

Masks y Mas

MexicanSugarSkull.com

Tesoros Trading Company

Tu Pueblo Imports

Untitled work by Cesar Ivan

2006-11-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a mixed-media work by El Paso artist Cesar Ivan. It's one of many featured featued at the El Paso Muesum of Art, now through December 10. I visited the show yesterday... definitely one to catch, and part of the Dia de los Muertos celebration here in El Paso. The SpAG (Space Available Art Gallery... located at 2419 North Stanton) is also featuring similar works by other El Paso artists through November 8. The Hal Marcus Gallery also has a Dia de los Muertos display. Photo courtesy of Cesar Ivan.

Texas Rasquache Festival 2005, El Paso, Texas

2006-10-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Mojigangas (skeleton dancers) parading down Texas Avenue during the Texas Rasquache Festival, El Paso, Texas (2005)

Photos of me and my daughter from the Texas Rasquache Festival, El Paso, Texas (2005)

El Dia de los Muertos 2006, Photos from Plaza de los Lagartos, El Paso, Texas

2006-10-30T21:14:00.000-08:00

El Dia de los Muertos 2006, Art Junction, El Paso, Texas

2006-10-30T21:11:00.000-08:00

El Dia de los Muertos 2006, La Mujer Obrera, El Paso, Texas, part 3

2006-10-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

El Dia de los Muertos 2006, La Mujer Obrera, El Paso, Texas, part 2

2006-10-30T20:59:00.000-08:00
More photos from the Dia de los Muertos 2006 celebration at La Mujer Obrera, El Paso, Texas. Photos taken October 28, 2006.

El Dia de los Muertos 2006, La Mujer Obrera, El Paso, Texas, part 1

2006-10-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

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