Spirited ‘Day of the Dead’ Festivities
Come Alive in Town of Taos <

Museums, Galleries Invite Visitors to Learn about History

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

The spirit of “Los Dias de los Muertos,” or “the Day of the Dead,” is alive and well in Taos as a number of festive events, exhibits and activities are scheduled to commemorate the day.

Los Dias de los Muertos is an age-old Mexican custom that commemorates those who have passed on, and honors their spirits through remembrance. Traditionally, photos of the deceased are often placed on altars, often accompanied by their favorite food. Images of skulls are used to symbolize death and rebirth. November 2nd also coincides with “All Souls Day.”

The Taos Inn will host a Los Dias de los Muertos celebration in honor of those who have gone before us, from 4 to 10 p.m. on November 2.  For the 20th year in a row, the free event will feature event organizer and artist, George Chacon, who will discuss the history of Los Dias de los Muertos beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“I feel that the country deliberately embraces the threshold between the spirit and the flesh and celebrates this with a day like Dias de los Muertos,” said Chacon. “This year, art will be displayed at the Inn by both the living and the dearly departed, as a symbol of commingling between the two.”

A communal altar will be displayed in the Inn library, where guests can leave photos and notes in remembrance of their dearly departed. The Inn restaurant will prepare traditional Mexican fare during the evening, including: Mexican hot chocolate, Pan de Muerto (hot cross buns) and tamales, along with mescal tasting.

Flamenco and mariachi music will enliven the evening from 7 to 10 p.m. Radio station, KKIT-FM, is slated to air a live broadcast of most of the event.

Taos Inn is located at 125 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte in Taos. For more information, contact Jamie Tedesco at (575) 758-2233 or visit www.taosinn.com.  

In addition to the event at Taos Inn, the following are scheduled in the Town of Taos, to honor Los Dios de los Muertos:

Two Graces Art Gallery’s “Dios de Los Muertos Six” – featuring an exhibition of  art work and altars from artists including Amy Cordova, Dan Enger and Barbara Thomas. Exhibition continues until November 16th. The gallery is open 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily. Visit www.twograces.blogspot.com or call Robert at (575) 758-4639 for info or visit the gallery at #66 St. Francis Plaza in Taos.

Taos Historic Museums - an altar will be displayed at both the historic Hacienda de los Martinez and the historic E. L. Blumenschein Home and Museum. Visitors are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved ones to display at either altar. The altars will be removed on November 4. The Hacienda is located at 708 Ranchitos Rd.; the Blumenschein is located at 222 LeDoux Street. For more information, visit www.taoshistoricmuseums.org or call Carmen Zacarias at (575) 758-0505.

Coyote Moon Store- will display an altar on Sunday, November 1st outside the store. Children can decorate skull-shaped chocolate and learn about the history of Dias de los Muertos on November 2. Coyote Moon is located at 120 C Bent street in the John Dunn Shopping area. Call (575) 758-4437 for more information.

From Santa Fe, the Taos Express offers economical shuttle service from the Santa Fe Railyard to Taos during weekends. Call (575) 751-4459 for reservations and information, or visit www.taosexpress.com for details. <

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves Day of the Dead even more than Halloween. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com <