CELEBRATING LIFE, CULTURE
Dia de los Muertos returns to downtown Marion on Saturday
This Saturday, Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, will return to downtown Marion as a yearly celebration of Mexican culture and remembering deceased loved ones.
Rather than focusing on loss and sadness, Dia de los Muertos celebrates life, cherished memories and the connections that bring communities together.
The Mexican tradition is celebrated in early November. Dia de los Muertos is a joyful time that helps families celebrate their memories through food, music, art and community traditions. It is usually held on Nov. 1, but Marion's celebration will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 6 p.m.
For almost a decade, Marion has held this yearly event. And as in previous years, the ninth annual celebration will take place on the City Stage at Marion's North Block and it will be a "a festival full of color, culture, and excitement," according to a Facebook post.
On Saturday, Marion's North Block will come alive with music from La Sonora Carolina, salsa dancing with opportunities to join in, food and craft vendors and free carnival activities, according to an article from Destination McDowell.
"A dog costume contest adds a playful twist to the festivities, inspired by Mexican traditions surrounding dogs as guides in the afterlife and alebrijes, colorful, fantastical creatures often combining features of different animals," reads the article. "Participants are encouraged to get creative with their canine companions, who must be well-behaved and kept on leashes."
The dog costume contest will be held at 1:30 p.m. There will be first-, second-and third-place prizes and a People's Choice award.
"Make sure to visit Carolina's Classiest Canine's booth at the festival and get fairy hair, feather hair, nail painting and small temporary color tattoos for your best dog friend!" reads a Facebook post.
At the heart of the festival is a community altar where visitors are invited to place photographs or meaningful keepsakes honoring loved ones who have died. "Now in its ninth year, Marion's Día de Muertos celebration has grown into a gathering that draws visitors from across western North Carolina and beyond," reads the Destination McDowell article.
The community altar, or community ofrenda, will be on display all day.
Everyone is welcome to bring photos of their loved ones, incense, candles, treats enjoyed by the loved one, or items to decorate the ofrenda (like sugar skulls or flowers). An ofrenda is an altar, built to honor lost loved ones. Offerings are placed upon the ofrenda to help us remember, learn about and celebrate their lives. These include photos of lost loved ones, candles and incense, marigolds, treats or snacks enjoyed by your ancestors, and decorations like skulls, papel picado, or Catrina, according to organizers.
More information can be found at www.facebook.com/diadelosmuertosmarion.
