Grand Strand residents and visitors can join in celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the most popular holiday of the year in Mexico, on Saturday, October 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the Art Museum hosts a Free Family Day. This is an annual festival hosted by the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.
In pre-Hispanic times, the day was observed with a simple feast for the returning dead; after the Spanish conquest in the 15th century, the day was encompassed into the holiday called All Souls’ Day. Homes would be gaily decorated and the deceased loved ones’ favorite foods would be prepared, along with special treats such as candy skulls inscribed with the names of the deceased or special breads shaped like ghosts or bones.
The Museum’s celebration will give visitors a chance to sample traditional breads and Mexican hot chocolate, be entertained by Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara and traditional Mexican dancers under a tent and enjoy music provided by Charles Pineda. Visitors will also enjoy bilingual music and stories provided by Criss Cross Mangosauce and can indulge in traditional Mexican foods provided by Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant. An altar on the Museum’s Tea Porch will honor the deceased artist Raúl Anguiano.
Workshops and demonstrations will be offered in the art of making papel picado (paper banners), decorating sugar skulls, painted pumpkin skulls, dancing skeletons and calavera (skeleton) masks. Youngsters of all ages can enjoy face painting, a Spanish/English translation game and a chance at breaking the treat-laden piñata. Visitors of all ages can participate in lotería (Mexican bingo) and help paint a Raúl Anguiano-inspired mural.
All events and activities are free. For more information, call the Museum at 843-238-2510 or visitwww.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org. Dia de los Muertos is presented by Publix Super Markets Charities with support from BB&T.
All Day Events
- An altar in honor of deceased artist Raúl Anguiano
- Family workshops for painted pumpkin skulls, dancing skeletons, calavera masks, sugar skulls, and papel picado (paper banners)
- Sampling of traditional breads & Mexican hot chocolate
- Face painting
- Lotería (bingo)
- Music
- Children’s literature display
- Videos
- Authentic Mexican food by Fiesta Mexicana
- Raúl Anguiano-inspired mural
- Spanish/English translation game
Scheduled Events
- Zumba Dancing (11:15 a.m.)
- Criss Cross Mangosauce bilingual music and stories (11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.)
- Day of the Dead lecture (12 N)
- Roving Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara (1 p.m.)
- Traditional Dancing with Ballet Folklorico St. James (2:15 p.m.)
- Children’s piñatas (2:50 p.m.) (Front Lawn)
* Schedule is subject to change
Images from 2015 Dia de los Muertos Celebration:
