St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, El Árbol Taquería, and the Brighton Area Historical Society are co-sponsoring a family friendly afternoon of events in honor of Dia de los Muertos also known as the Day of the Dead and All Souls Day.
“Christians have been formally commemorating those we love and see no longer for centuries,” explains the Rev. Jeanne Hansknecht, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. “We have done so traditionally over a three day period or All Saints Triduum. First is All Hallows Eve (known today as Halloween). Next is All Saints Day for those the church has formally recognized as mentors or saints in the faith. And finally, more personally, All Souls Day, when we remember all of the faithful departed. Different cultural contexts and faith traditions have different expressions of these holy days but love and loss and wanting to be remembered and celebrated are universal to the human experience. They also often involve the gathering of the community. That’s why we’re doing this.”
On going activities at the AMP include a food stand, face painting, crafts, a photo booth, and ofrenda or memorial altar making.
Enjoy live music provided by Mariachi Cristal from 5-7pm.
Guided tours of the Old Village Cemetery are at 2pm and 5pm.
St. Paul’s Historic Chapel will be open from 2-7pm for candle lighting and personal prayer in honor and remembrance of your loved ones departed.
Apart from the food stand, this event is free to the public. Donations are being accepted for Hurricane Helene relief.
In case of inclement weather as much as possible will be moved into St. Paul’s, El Arbol, and the CoBACH buildings.
About: Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is traditionally a two day holiday that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations!
Fore more information about this holiday, click here
