Día de los Muertos Celebration

Join the traditional Mexican celebration of life and death at the PNA’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade and festival on Friday, November 5, 2010. We will post a detailed schedule in advance of the event. Call (206) 783-2244 for more information.

In Mexico, El Día de los Muertos is a festive and family-centered event, traditionally held on Nov. 1st (Day of the Little Angels) and 2nd (Day of the Dead or all Soul’s Day in Christian tradition). Día de los Muertos celebrations emphasize life and death as part of the same cycle and regard death on friendly and intimate terms. According to beliefs rooted in pre-Columbian traditions, on Dia de los Muertos, the veil between life and death is at its thinnest and the dead can be lured back to us through the scent of marigolds and the temptation of offerings of favorite food and drink. In certain parts of Mexico, an important facet of this celebration is the oferenda, or personal altar, built both in family homes and/or over the graves of loved ones. Traditionally, photographs of the dead at are the altar center, around which are placed offerings of food, drink, candles, flowers, sugar skulls, and personal mementoes. All these items are presented in beautiful displays to honor the returning souls.

Thanks to grants from the City of Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Washington State Arts Commission which have enabled the continuation of this important traditional celebration.

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2009 Poster - Click to enlarge!