The Village of Homewood is once again hosting its first Day of the Dead Fest (Dia de Los Muertos)!
Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday that celebrates death as a natural part of the human experience. While it sounds like a very sad day, it's also a time of celebration, with many bright and colorful traditions to honor our friends and family who have passed on.
This stems from the ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico who believed that the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living relatives - to eat, drink and be merry just as they did when they were living.
One of the most significant traditions during the Day of the Dead is the creation of an altar to honor the souls of the dead. The Village of Homewood has collaborated with a resident, Gloria Contreras of XicantL Productions, who has handmade a community-inclusive ofrenda - an altar for everyone from the community to put up pictures of their loved ones who have passed on. Fest participants are asked to bring a 5x7 photo COPY of a loved one that has passed to place on the ofrenda as they arrive.
The event will take place on Martin Avenue, Ridge Road to Chestnut Road; parking is available at Village Hall. The footprint will be decorated with symbols of the traditional Day of the Dead: skeletons, skulls, masks, and flowers. The event will offer traditional Mexican food and music. Local Mexican restaurants will sell Mexican foods and drinks. The not-for-profit Performing Fine Arts Council will host a craft table to decorate sugar skull masks and traditional “Dia de Los Muertos” face painting.
Picadoicado (colorful flags) and Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) will also be on display during the celebration, along with a performance by Chinelos dancers and Mariachi band.
The event will have a gallery area, so all can view the beautiful handmade pieces of art by Ms. Contreras. She will act as the event docent explaining each piece and its meaning to guests. Fest participants are encouraged to dress in traditional “Day of the Dead” attire.
