OXNARD — OPAC celebrates the return of its annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration which will be held this year on Saturday, November 5th from 4 to 10 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. Admission is free and open to the public. The event will once again recognize Araw Ng Mga Patay, a Filipino holiday during which people pay homage to their deceased family members and loved ones by visiting their burial sites and making offerings such as food, flowers and prayers.
Guests will enjoy:
-
Opening remarks from The Mexican Consulate and Oxnard’s Mayor
-
Aztec Blessing and Ceremonial Dance by Kalpulli Huitzilin Ihuan Xochitl
-
Displays by local artists Checkos, BlotCamp, Erendira, CreationsByLoops, Carlos Heredia, Veggiecide, Melina Dominguez, Ambzy
-
Free Dia de los Muertos printmaking by SketchCrow and OPAC’s Teen Art Program students
-
Performances by Poets Jesus + Sarahi Noyola, Chinas Niñas, Chinas Oaxaqueñas, Ballet Folklorico Mestizo of Oxnard College, Los Chinelos, Grupo Folklorico Fusión Mexicano, Los Diablitos
-
Community altars
-
Music provided by Radio Lazer DJs and local musicians
-
Family-friendly activities including face painting, a storytime corner, arts & crafts, complimentary photo booth, etc
-
Food representing cultures that celebrate Dia de los Muertos, including Filipino, Mexican and more
-
Vendors specializing in artesanias, crafts, and more!
New this year will be towering community-made papier mâché (cartonería) calaveras. Over the course of four weekends, residents have worked with artist Jose Galvan (@veggiecide) to create a giant Catrin and Catrina to preside over the event. Originally conceived by Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852 – 1913) and later portrayed by famed painter Diego Rivera in one of his murals, these iconic figures in Mexican culture have become the referential images of Death in Mexico and are common embodiments as part of Day of the Dead celebrations.
This year’s celebration will also include a contest for best-dressed featuring local judges.
OPAC’s Dia de los Muertos celebration is made possible thanks to generous support from the Port of Hueneme, Montecito Bank & Trust, County of Ventura, Skunkmasters, and Safeport.
2022 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Saturday, Nov. 5 from 4-10 pm
@ Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030
oxnardperformingarts.com | diademuertosoxnard.com
The event is free and open to the public.