Día de los Muertos Procesión and Art Exhibit

Last Friday over 300 people celebrated the traditions of the Day of the Dead at the International Cultural Center. It was the first stop on the 18th annual Diá de los Muertos Procession. The event featured an exhibit showcasing the artwork of nine local artists, Hutchinson Middle School students and ofrenda photos from the Houston organization MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts). Attendees also participated in family friendly activities such as decorating sugar skulls, face painting and making flores de papel. Dr. Lauryn Salazar gave a talk on the history of mariachi music and visitors were treated to the songs of the Texas Tech mariachi band, Los Matadores. Other stops on the procession included the Texas Tech School of Art, the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts and the Buddy Holly Center.

Diá de los Muertos is a holiday that originated in Mexico. It is traditionally celebrated between October 31 and November 2. Family members build alters, or ofrendas, to honor their loved ones in their homes. Vigils are held in cemeteries where family members celebrate the lives of those who have passed with gifts, food, flowers, and trinkets.

For more images, visit the Día de los Muertos Procesión and Art Exhibit gallery page.