Dia de los Muertos lays low in FW
Published 10:54 am Friday, October 24, 2008
To some, “Day of the Dead” may sound more like a Halloween celebration. It seems synonymous with the haunted houses and scary costumes of the season.
But the Mexican holiday has nothing to do with candy, pumpkins or horror movies.
Traditionally, families will build alters (ofrendas) or, if possible, visit the graves of relatives. It is a day to remember relatives who have passed before us and is a day to honor their lives. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) has been part of the Mexican tradition for thousands of years, dating back to the Mayans and Aztecs. In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated Nov. 1 and 2.
The holiday is also celebrated by some in the United States, although times have changed. Hispanics now account for 14 percent of the U.S population, according to Pew Research Center. Local cities with a significant Hispanic population sponsor annual events such as parades, festivals and art exhibits to celebrate the holiday.
In Federal Way, 7.5 percent of the city’s population is Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There is no evidence of Dia de Los Muertos being recognized citywide in Federal Way.
However, it has not escaped the attention of Teniel Sabin, the city’s Hispanic Community Liaison. “It has come up. The community wants more cutural festivals,” Sabin said.
At this time though, Sabin says the Hispanic Leadership Community is concentrating more on Christmas. Sabin would like to see a festival in years to come.
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Check it out
In honor of Dia de los Muertos, Tacoma Art Museum will display artwork and community-built alters from now until Nov. 2. There is also an art contest for students in grades six to 12. The museum is at 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. To learn more, call (253) 272-4258 or visit www.tacomaartmuseum.org.
Check out a column written by Federal Way resident Tito Hinojos, titled “Day of the Dead and its impact on Latino culture,” on The Mirror’s Web site at cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/federalwaymirror.
