33rd Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration and Exhibit--Centro Cultural Aztlan

Since 1977, Centro Cultural Aztlan has opened its doors to tourists and residents to take part in the biggest and oldest Dia de los Muertos Celebration paying tribute to this ancient tradition.

This year, 18 of San Antonio’s most talented and credentialed artists will create a Dia de los Muertos experience unlike any before. The scent of Zempasuchil (marigolds) will guide visitors into Galeria Expresion, where altares y ofrendas created by local artists and young people from the community welcome the past in once again.

This event illustrates the artistic, cultural and religious facets of this popular pre-Columbian/Mexican tradition where death is seen as a natural part of life and this reality is approached with gaiety and humor. Photographs of loved ones grace altars as well as offerings of food and other things associated with Dia de los Muertos. Marigolds, incense, and candles celebrate life. The entire gallery is transformed into a giant installation that is a sumptuous feast for the senses. Some of the altars will be quite traditional while others will be more experimental even integrating technological elements.

The exhibit opens with a reception for the artists on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 from 6 -10pm. Enjoy Pan de muerto, ponche de frutas, and other treats as you visit with friends. Be prepared to dance when the drum rhythmns of the Urban 15 dance troupe arrive to lead us in danzas choreographed for the festive occasion! Shop for special Dia de los Muertos creations from some of San Antonio’s best artists and artisans in our “Calle de los Artesanos”. This year Centro Aztlan is taking our celebration outdoors! A stage with special performances and music from NYA (Network for Young Artists) will delight our visitors from 6-9pm. Suggested donation $3.

Participating artists for the altares are:
Roberto Espinoza Cañedo, Andy Villarreal, Esther Guajardo, Maria Isabel Aguilar, Hector Garza, Maria Cleo Garza, Deborah Keller Rihn, Marcy McChesney, Maray McChesney, Magda Chellet, Antonio Garcia, Margaret Reyna, Rita Linda Abrego, Alicia Zavala Galvan, Oscar Galvan, Richard Arredondo, Violet Tijerina, and two schools will be participating as a group, Winston School of San Antonio under the direction of Carolina Flores, and Edgewood Fine Arts Academy Art 1 & 2 under the direction of Annabel Torivio.

“Calle de los Artesanos” participants:
Pancho Joanne Lecocke, Jenny Silva (Pulquerios’), Esther Guajardo, Tim Palomera, Maria Cleo Garza, Fabian Diaz, Diana Flores, Roxanne Markline, Irma Hernandez, Nuevo Huevo, Diane de Leon and Angie Riojas.

Centro Cultural Aztlan is located in the historic Deco Building (1800 Fredericksburg Road @ Fulton). Altars will be on exhibit through Nov. 12. The gallery is open Monday-Friday, 9-5 and on weekends by appointment. Please call 432.1896 if you would like to arrange a field trip or guided tour.

For more information call 432-1896 or visit our website: http://www.centroculturalaztlan.50megs.com/