New Mexico

Día de los Muertos altar on display at Branigan Cultural Center

A Día de los Muertos altar will be opened in the classroom of the Branigan Cultural Center from October 28 through November 9, 2009.  Assembling the altar has become an annual tradition for Jose Tena, along with his dancers and students.  (On Saturday, October 31st there will be a performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Tierra del Encanto and posolé dinner.  It all happens in the Shannon Gallery at the Cultural Center from 11 am to 1 pm. The program and meal are free, on a first come first served basis.)

“Día de los Muertos” is also the subject of the current exhibit at Branigan Cultural Center and is on display from October 2 through November 7, 2009.  The exhibit features the work of nineteen regional artists in a wide variety of media. 

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated throughout Latin American cultures and includes an interesting blend of European and Pre-Hispanic indigenous traditions. In Latin America death is part of the cycle of life, and rather than being feared, it is celebrated – often with a sense of humor. Coinciding with the Catholic religion’s All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the celebrations for Día de los Muertos last for three days: October 31st, November 1st and 2nd. 

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.  The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public.  Galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at www.las-cruces.org/museums.