18th Annual Community Celebration for the Days of the Dead October 21, 2012

The Oakland Museum of California comes alive for the 18th annual Community Celebration for the Days of the Dead. Craft activities, food, dance and music groups, and ceremonia bring the community together for this healing tradition. Watch demonstrations of traditional Meso-American arts and foods, and buy local Days of the Dead merchandise for your home altar from our mercado. Enjoy featured performances by Danza Xitlalli, Ballet Folklorico Costa de Oro, Ixim-Tinamit, Los Cenzontles, Mariachi Feminil, and Yolanda Aranda Coria. See artwork from a wide range of local artists, including Rob-O, Imelda Martinez, Brett Cook, Adrian Arias, Hector Dio Mendoza, Cece Carpio, and Jenifer Wofford.

Included with Museum admission, and includes the Community Celebration, Days of the Dead exhibition, OMCA's Galleries of California Art and History, and all OMCA special exhibitions.

Celebrated between October 31 and November 2, the Meso-American tradition of Dias de los Muertos is widely associated with iconic and colorful elements-such as sugar skulls, marigolds, and altars, or ofrendas-arranged or created in honor of deceased loved ones. This year OMCA celebrates the 18th annual Days of the Dead exhibition, which recognizes local heroes and heroines that may not have made it into history books, but have contributed to the betterment of their communities and have made an impact on our lives. Featuring artists and student and community groups with personal stories related to Dias de los Muertos, the exhibition pays special attention to the importance of ofrendas and celebrates this ritual as a vehicle for creating intimate sacred spaces and sharing memories.

Official Website: http://www.museumca.org