Crafting Calaveras

Wednesday, 26 October 2011 23:14

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In anticipation of the upcoming Dia de los Muertos, which is Spanish for "Day of the Dead" celebration on Nov. 1 and 2, Pima County Library branches are inviting members of the community to come and decorate their own sugar skulls.

The workshops being put on in October and November are part of the efforts of the library's Nuestras Raices ("Our Roots" in Spanish) committee to celebrate the art, culture, and writings of the Mexican community, said Himmel Park Branch librarian Sue Parker.

"We have programs throughout the year, we want to embrace diversity," said Paulina Aguirre, another Himmel Park Branch librarian.

The popular sugar skull workshops have been running in the fall since at least 2006, Parker said. She estimates that at over a hundred people show up each time.

Sugar skulls, also known as calaveras (calavera being Spanish for 'skull'), are a brightly colored candy, shaped like skulls and made out of sugar. They are traditionally used in Mexico to decorate Dia de los Muertos altars, Aguirre said.

In case, you aren't too familiar with the upcoming Dia de los Muertos celebration, here is a bit of background information.

The Day of the Dead takes place on both Nov. 1 and 2, with the first day honoring los Angelitos (Spanish for "little angels") or the children who have passed away. The second day, All Souls' Day, honors adults who have died.

Families get together and create altars, with offerings to loved ones that have passed away. Often, these offerings will be their favorite things, like their favorite food or in the case of a child, their favorite toy, Aguirre said.

She also said that candles placed on the altars are especially important, as their light is what helps guide souls back to their families when they visit.

While the celebration may sound morbid, when honoring the dead it's also a reminder for the living to enjoy life. It's a view of death, "not as a taboo subject, but as natural part of life," Aguirre said.

If you're interesting in participating, check out this schedule of events or pick up a newsletter at your local library branch.

Extra: materials and instructions from the Himmel Park Library on making your own skull.

Written by Katrina Arrington You are reading Crafting Calaveras articles

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