Opening: Dia de los Muertos November 5, 2010

Las Cruces, NM – Dia de los Muertos is the subject of a new exhibit at Branigan Cultural Center. It opens on Friday, November 5, 2010 during the First Friday Downtown Ramble from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Dia de los Muertos will remain on display through November 27, 2010. The exhibit features the work of twenty-three regional artists in a wide variety of media.

The works were submitted after the Cultural Center released a call for submissions. This is the second year for the juried show and once again the judges were selected for their knowledge of the Día de los Muertos tradition, Latin American culture, and a demonstrated appreciation for individual expression. Judges were looking for works that reflected the joyous celebration of Día de los Muertos tradition.

In addition to the exhibit, a Dia de los Muertos altar will be on display from Friday, October 29, 2010 in the Shannon room. It will stay on display throughout the Dia de los Muertos exhibition. Assembling the altar has become an annual tradition for Jose Tena, along with his dancers and students. On Saturday, October 30, there will be a performance by Ballet Folklorico de la Tierra del Encanto and posolé dinner 11 am to 1 pm. The program and meal are free, on a first come first served basis.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated throughout Latin American cultures and includes an interesting blend of European and Pre-Hispanic indigenous traditions. In Latin America death is part of the cycle of life, and rather than being feared, it is celebrated – often with a sense of humor. Coinciding with the Catholic religion’s All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the celebrations for Día de los Muertos last for three days: October 31, November 1, and November 2.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public. Galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm. For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit www.las-cruces.org/museums.