Texas Border Business
Edinburg, TX – This year, the City of Edinburg and the Museum of South Texas History present ‘Dia de Los Muertos: Los Muertos Bailan’, a two-week celebration of the Day of the Dead. The event will be virtual from October 19 to November 1 on Facebook live via the Edinburg Cultural Arts and Museum of South Texas History Facebook pages.
Generally celebrated at the beginning of November, we believe it is never too early to celebrate and recognize this special day’s importance. By presenting Dia de Los Muertos: Los Muertos Bailan in the Rio Grande Valley, we provide an educational approach and opportunity for each of us to learn more about this fascinating tradition. Join us virtually with your friends and family as we spend two weeks in a colorful tribute to our loved ones.
The first week, on Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m. The City of Edinburg will feature a beautiful “Azteca Mexica” Dance to commemorate the pre-Hispanic origins of the celebration of the Day of the Dead. Dancers in full regal Aztec attire will be performed by Studio 956, formerly the Edinburg Folklorico Dance Team.
Starting Tuesday, October 20 through Friday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m., the City will host a Family Day of the Dead Crafts & Traditions segment. The community can learn about the various Altar traditions through a series of video segments presented by UTRGV’s Center for American American Arts as well as by the City’s Library Art Department. Each segment will also include a portion of a “Tour of Edinburg” with beautiful Catrinas. Join us and feast your eyes on the lovely Catrinas while enjoying the City’s iconic locations. Each day we will have new Catrinas and new locations.
On Tuesday, October 20, enjoy a “Catrina Makeup Workshop” as our presenter will give you a step by step tutorial on how to create your own sugar skull face. This makeup session is sure to inspire you to dress up and participate in our Catrina costume contest. Following the makeup session, stayed tuned and learn more about family altars and learn how to create your own “Retablo” picture frame to include in your altar.
On Wednesday, October 21, join us for “Cuentos y Leyendas” in Spanish, sit as a family, and enjoy the stories presented by Wendy Lara’s La Muerte Garbanzera. This Spanish story hour is for the whole family to enjoy. Following the stories, stay tuned and learn how to make the “Flor de Cempasuchil” or Marigold flowers to adorn your family altar.
On Thursday, October 22, enjoy traditional dance performances by Conceptos Entidad and learn how to make your own rock “Calaverita.” Rock painting is all the rage again, and a rock sugar skull is a fun way to join the fun and celebrate the Day of the Dead.
On Friday, October 23, the family can enjoy a Catrina Costume Exhibition and the beauty of Mexico’s traditional dances performed by STC Ballet Folklorico. Following the dance performance, stay tuned and learn how to paint a family-friendly and fun version of “La Catrina.”
Saturday, Oct 24th performance will start at 4:30 p.m. with the Catrin and Catrina costume contest followed by a bilingual Day of the Dead Storytelling by Raquel Hinojosa, various dance performances, and a performance by Mariachi Continental.
Also, available during the week, a special workshop will take place via Zoom, “Miniature Altars: Honoring Memories” by Suanne Goings will virtually guide you to honoring our dearly departed and creating a keepsake in their memory. The workshop is on a first come first serve basis with a limit of 15 individuals, and you can register at edinburgarts.com. The workshop will be a safe environment to share and heal.
The second week of Dia de Los Muertos: Los Muertos Bailan programming will kick off on October 25 at 2 p.m. with the Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation, “Reflecting on Día de Los Muertos: Life, Healing and Family” featuring anthropology professor Dr. Servando Hinojosa from UTRGV. This presentation is scheduled to broadcast live on the museum’s Facebook page. Viewers are encouraged to post questions and comments during the presentation.
Monday, October 26, families are encouraged to participate in “Día de Los Muertos Craft Day,” The first live presentation, “Calaveritas,” starts at 2 p.m., and the second presentation, “Papel Picado” follows at 4 p.m. on Facebook Live. Sugar skull workshop materials can be picked up at the Museum of South Texas History. Sugar Skull Kits are free, provided by HEB, and can be picked up on October 24 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Kits are on a first come first serve basis.
Three educational presentations are scheduled to broadcast live October 27 to October 29 on the museum’s Facebook page: Tuesday, October 27 at 10 a.m. – “Accessing Digital Altar Exhibit,” will outline the process of how to honor and celebrate an honoree using the Día de Los Muertos Digital Altar Exhibit submission form.
Wednesday, October 28 at 6 p.m. – “Día de Los Muertos as a Cultural Cornerstone” will present the traditions and evolving elements of Día de Los Muertos.
Thursday, October 29, at 6 p.m. – “Create A Día de Los Muertos Home Altar” will summarize the history of home altars and ofrendas. This presentation will be bilingual and is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 29.
The weekend kicks off with music and dance performances in the live broadcast titled, “Honoring Los Muertos with Dance & Music.” Performances are scheduled for Friday, October 30, starting at 6 p.m. The live video stream will feature performances from local musicians and dancers on Facebook Live.
Sit with family or friends and listen to folklore stories during the online presentation, “Ghosts of Rio Grande Valley,” featuring author Dr. David Bowles. Gather round at 6 p.m. October 31 to hear the borderland stories of leyendas.
“Digital Altar Exhibit Reception,” a Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation, will end the two-week programming. This live broadcast will start at 2 p.m. November 1 on Facebook Live. Museum staff will reflect with community members who have participated in the museum’s Día de Los Muertos community altar exhibit in previous years. Other guests will feature digital altar exhibit honorees, a note about the Bearing Witness Initiative, and other reflections.
A full schedule of activities and events will be available at www.edinburgarts.com and www.mosthistory.org. All presentations will be recorded and available to view any time afterward. This joint project is another great event brought to you by the City of Edinburg and the Museum of South Texas History. For additional information, please contact the Cultural Arts Division at 956-383-6246 or the Museum of South Texas History for programs in the second week at 956-383-6911.
