Day of the Dead event celebrates life, honors those who have passed away
Nov 01, 2012 | 425 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print
A participant in the 2011 Day of the Dead celebration at Moab Valley Multicultural Center adds decorations to the traditional “tumbas” or tomb display that honors those who have passed away. Courtesy photo
A participant in the 2011 Day of the Dead celebration at Moab Valley Multicultural Center adds decorations to the traditional “tumbas” or tomb display that honors those who have passed away. Courtesy photo
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The Moab Valley Multicultural Center will hold its second annual Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead – fundraiser Sunday, Nov. 4, from noon to 6 p.m. at the center, 156 N. 100 West.

The goal is to raise cultural awareness and celebrate life, according to a news release from the center. The event will include a buffet featuring authentic Mexican food, live music, entertainment, and a display of traditional tombs honoring those who have passed away. A traditional Mexican graveyard will be displayed the week prior to the event so that visitors may learn about Día de los Muertos traditions, officials said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with another culture,” said MVMC director Nicole Shelnut.

Proceeds will fund programs offered by the center. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for those ages 13 to 17, and $3 for kids ages 5 to 12. Children under the age of 5 will be admitted free of charge. Tickets for adults will be $15 on the day of the fundraiser, although all other ticket prices will remain the same, organizers said.

The center reaches about 500 clients annually, including children, teens and adults. MVMC services include counseling and advocacy, language classes, emergency food and medical relief, and a mentoring program for at-risk teens.

Shelnut said the center is currently expanding its Teen and Family program to offer the community’s youth the counseling and academic support they need.

Other MVMC future goals include adding more staff hours to the payroll and creating a community space that honors the concept of a traditional Latin American plaza, Shelnut said.

A fusion of Aztec religious beliefs and the Catholic All Saints’ Day holiday, Día de los Muertos now takes place in the first week of November throughout Mexico and large parts of Latin America. The modern-day expression of these holidays celebrates life and honors those who have died, MVMC officials said in the news release.

Tickets for the celebration are available at the center or online at www.moabvalleymulticulturalcenter.org. Prizes will be given away during drawings throughout the event, organizers said.

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