Tuesday, September 27, 2011

El Monte Dia de los Muertos Oct. 29

The Nuvein Foundation for Literature and the Arts presents the 2nd annual El Monte Dia de los Muertos on Saturday, October 29 from 12 pm until 5 pm at The Valley Mall, 10933 Valley Mall in El Monte. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend the free Day of the Dead Celebration making it the largest event in El Monte’s history.



The all day, family festival will showcase more than 50 beautiful decorated altars created by local award-winning artists. Adding to the tapestry of color, calacas, paper mache masks, and papel picado displays will adorn the street showcasing the rich culture and mystic beauty of one Mexico’s most popular holidays. Event attendees have the opportunity to purchase unique items to take home from some of Southern California’s most gifted artists.



In addition, a Galleria de los Muertos exhibit will explore the rituals of the Day of the Dead that venerates and celebrates the dearly departed. Death was considered a passage to a new life to the indigenous people of Mexico.


Throughout the free celebration, attendees can enjoy a variety of dance performances including Aztec dances by Danza Cuautemoc and Kalpulli tlatekuhtli, as well as fusion hip hop by popular dance ensemble Studio Danza Dancers, and vibrant folklorico by Ballet Folklorico de Colores. Los Angeles emerging and established spoken word poets will add to the colorful celebration performing throughout the day. The spoken word will also be showcased at the Poets Corner/Rincon de Poesia where poets will gather and read their richly colorful poems paying homage to the dead.

The festival will also host a large children’s area which includes various children’s arts and activities. Gourmet traditional Mexican dishes will be sold, giving visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Mexican cuisine.



The 2nd annual El Monte Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican celebration for All Souls Day commemorates the spirit and memory of the dead; as well as the joy of living. The event is a high-spirited affair that celebrates local art, music, and dance. The focus of El Monte Dia de los Muertos is to provide a cultural platform that showcases art and is accessible to all.



For more information on the 2nd Annual El Monte Dia De Los Muertos visit, www.nuvein.org/diadelosmuertos or 626.600.2780.



Event Day Highlights include:

Five-hours of culturally rich programming from top Southern California artists

Award-winning spoken word performances by: Mike the Poet, Radomir V. Luza, Rick Stepp-Bollin, Christopher Trevilla, and Kimerly Cobain

Over 50 artists showcasing unique art works, traditional songs, stories and dance highlighting Mexican culture including a Galleria de los Muer

Over 50 Dia De Los Muertos – Paper Mache skulls

No comments: