Nevada State Museum celebrates Day of the Dead Saturday

The Nevada State Museum celebrates el Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Day of the Dead is a multicultural celebration of life through death. In this wholesome family holiday, participants learn to deal with death in a healthy way by celebrating the lives of dear ones who have passed away. This year’s keynote address, “What is Day of the Dead?” by Julie Lozada Ocampo, begins at 11 a.m.

Special exhibits, called ofrendas, are set up with a display of memorabilia from a departed loved one. This may include a photo of the person, samples of their favorite foods, symbols of activities they loved, and bright yellow flowers. A typical bread called pan de muerto is abundantly displayed during the festival. Sugar skulls are decorated and fancy paper cut-outs add color to the tables.

The Nevada State Museum’s 2014 Day of the Dead celebration includes crafts for all ages, stories, dancers, special exhibits, face painting, a video, and lecture. This year’s special program includes the dynamic folkloric dancers, Metzonali and Angeles de Guadelupe, presenting at 1 and 2 p.m.

Crafts include the popular sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar), fancy paper designs (papel picado), folkloric figurines, and paper flowers. Bilingual volunteers will be available to assist children of all ages. Sponsors include the Nevada Appeal, Radio Lazer, Entravision, Metzonali, Angeles de Guadalupe, Dayton High School, United Latino Community, Centro Market, Western Nevada College Latino Club, Carson City Library, Claudia Aguilar Torres, Tami Castillo Sheldon Yolanda Garcia, Lynzie Ruecker, Eric N. Cornejo-Leon, Miriam Torres, Miriam Silis, and Friends of the Nevada State Museum.

The Nevada State Museum is located at 600 N. Carson Street. Admission: $8 adults; free for museum members and children 17 and under. For more information, contact dstevenson@nevadaculture.org or 775-687-4810, ext. 237.