Day of the Dead 2
The Day of the Dead is celebrated the first weekend of November by many. On Friday November 1st 2019, the Pop Up Art Gallery in Kansas City Missouri hosted a ‘Friday Art Party, with Live Music and Experiences’. The Pop Up Gallery is a gallery and digital media and photography studio, specializing in business development, lifestyle, and social photography.
Creators of the event wanted to those in the Kansas City area to, “Take the time to be present. Make the effort to do something different. Meet new people and have fun with friends and loved ones”. Along with a costume and mask party.
Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, particularly in the Central and South Regions. The holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness, but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awake and celebrate with them.
“I loved bringing my teen to this event,” said participant Margaret Rincon. “My daughter loves art, music, and history which this event was filled with”.
The event started off with a live performance from ‘The Sunshine Kid’, Ryan Hill. There was art work presentations by over nine local artists, all of which have varying styles of artwork.
The event was free with exceptions of the optional $10-$20 raffle tickets to win original art and other art related items.
“These events are very important to not only any creator or artist in Kansas City, but also to the community. Bringing awareness to other cultures is the least we can do and to bring participation in,” said Rebecca Butler event attendee.
El Dia de los Muertos most recognizable feature is the typical painted skulls. The skulls symbolize honor to the spirits of the dead who are believed to visit their families on this day. The artwork also had reflections of this.
“We are very excited about our upcoming event on November 2nd”, said Pop Up Gallery owner Camilo Estremadoiro. “It’s an art lovers club: painting party/with dinner, music and costumes. Anyone is invited to a night of painting, costumes, laughter and memories. This includes painting party, with catered food, live music and raffle prizes! Costumes optional, anyone wearing a costume receives an extra art raffle ticket” said Estremadoiro.
