SAFFORD — Gila Valley residents will have two chances to celebrate a traditional Mexican holiday.
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Eastern Arizona College Multicultural Club will host a Dias de los Muertos event at the EAC Amphitheater, starting at 5 p.m. The event will feature music, dancing and food.
Then on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 5-6 p.m., the Safford City-Graham County Library will host a Dias de los Muertos Storytelling Night at the Library Annex on Central Avenue.
Zarco Guerrero and his masked characters will share with the whole family stories of El Vato Poeta, La Comadre, El Abuelito and more. Light refreshments will be served.
Dias de los Muertos — in English the Day of the Dead —is the Mexican holiday to remember and celebrate lost family members and friends, and is traditionally celebrated in cemeteries. The first day, Nov. 1, is to remember lost children, and adults on Nov. 2.
Families place items on the ofrendas (altars) liked by the dead, such as toys for children, and favorite foods or drink for adults. There are also photos of the dead, and pillows and blankets left out for the dead to rest after their journey.
Celebrants dress up, often with face make-up to mimic a skull, and the most common gift to give each other are candy sugar skulls, and pan de muerto, or bread of the dead. There is often music and dancing, and some locations celebrate with a parade through the town to the cemetery.
