Longmont, Colorado’s vibrant community is home to a diverse array of cultures and ethnicities from around the globe. Latin American influence can be felt throughout the city. From authentic cuisine to summer festivals, we are fortunate to experience an assortment of cultures, rituals, and customs from far-flung reaches of the world, right in our own backyards. This inclusive Front Range city also boasts a notable museum and culture center that is famous for its intriguing exhibits and lively activities. This fall, the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is gearing up to host a Day of the Dead exhibit. Here’s everything visitors should know!
Each year, communities throughout Mexico, South American, and the United States celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Centuries ago, the holiday originated in the Aztec and Toltec communities, who each believed that mourning death was inappropriate. Instead, they sought to celebrate deceased ancestors while recognizing that death is just another continuum of life. These groups set aside time to celebrate the dead, and thus, Dia de los Muertos was born.
Now, on 11/1 and 11/2, communities throughout the world celebrate the Day of the Dead in a variety of ways. Most parties include traditional cuisine, symbolic treats, colorful costumes, and altar decorating. Cities fill with revelers marching in parades, singing songs, and celebrating the spirits of the living and the dead.
The Day of the Dead exhibit runs from 10/11 to 11/4 and its opening reception kicks off at 6 pm on 10/10. The exhibition will showcase a sculpture of Day of the Dead’s most iconic figure, La Catrina. This feminine icon was created as a satirical representation and then became a prime representation for this famous holiday. Sculptor Ricardo Soltero presents his collection of bright, lovely calaca (skeleton) sculptures. The exhibit will also include altars for the dead, crafted by community members.
Throughout October and early November, the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center will host a few lively events in conjunction with its Day of the Dead exhibit. The opening reception is scheduled for 10/10 from 6 – 8 pm and will offer a cash bar plus a deluxe nacho buffet provided by CYCLhops Bike Cantina. On 10/27, celebrate the approaching Day of the Dead by making sugar skulls, starting at 1 pm and wrapping up only when the sugar runs out! 11/2 hosts a bevy of exciting events all day long. The Family Fiesta begins at 2 pm and offers live music, dancing, sugar skull decorating, face-painting, and so much more. That evening slip into your finest La Catrina gown and head down to Dickens Opera House. View hand-made altars, snack on authentic Day of the Dead eats, and dance the night away.
The Longmont exhibit gives local residents the chance to try something new, be it authentic Mexican cuisine or sugar skull decorating. Each Day of the Dead event provides a unique cultural experience that may be less familiar than other traditional autumn celebrations. VerraWest Apartments are spacious and centrally located to all that our vibrant city has to offer. Contact us today for a showing of our beautiful apartments in Longmont.