Members of Charros Y Vaqueros Del Norte De Nevada ride in last weekend's Nevada Day Parade.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
Gardnerville will see its first celebration of Día De los Muertos in a celebration of Mexican culture 3-6 p.m. today.
According to the 2020 Census 13.3 percent of Douglas County residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, making it the largest single minority in the county.
On Saturday, Douglas County Parks and Recreation, Main Street Gardnerville, and Carson Valley Arts Council will festival at Heritage Park.
There will be live Mariachi music performed by “Mariachi Cazadores De Nevada” along with folklore dancers and 12-foot Catrina dolls presented by “Latino Arts and Culture of Reno.”
“In addition, there will be opportunities for families to create Mexican-inspired art, receive sugar skull face paintings, purchase traditional jewelry and crafts, and enjoy Latin-inspired food and/or drink,” organizers said.
According to the county,
Día de los Muertos dates back over 3,000 years when the Aztecs celebrated rituals honoring the dead.
“Now celebrated throughout Mexico and the United States, Día de los Muertos is a time when families pay homage to loved ones who passed and welcome them with their favorite food and drinks, music, and dancing. Families build altars or ofrendas where they place pictures and other offerings to their loved ones.
“We will be providing a community ofrenda during our celebration at Heritage Park and invite you all to bring your own photos, messages, and special offerings to share,” organizers said. “If your family or business would like to create your own ofrenda, we will have spaces to reserve for free.”
For vendor space information or ofrenda reservations, contact Georgianna Drees-Wasmer at gdreeswasmer@douglasnv.us or 775-782-5500 ext. 5245.
