DECATUR-The City of Decatur, Alabama is pleased to announce its inaugural celebration of Día de los Muertos. The event will take place in downtown Decatur on Wednesday, November 2.
“Our first celebration of Día de los Muertos in Decatur represents a unique partnership between the Hispanic community, the Alabama Center for the Arts, The City of Decatur, The Princess Theater and several civic and cultural organizations from the Decatur/Morgan County area,” said community volunteer Mayte Rodriguez of M&M SERVS LLC based in Decatur.
“We’re very pleased, but in no way surprised, at the level of commitment from all areas of the community to make this event a reality. We hope to provide an authentic and educational cultural experience that the entire region can enjoy, regardless of nationality,” said Philip Mann, Executive Director of External Affairs for the Alabama Center for the Arts.
Día de los Muertos Activities
Día de los Muertos, or “The Day of The Dead,” began in Mexico, but is celebrated throughout Latin America. The holiday is a celebration of the lives of the departed and was recently chronicled in the Disney film “Coco.” “Coco” will be screened at The Princess Theater for Decatur City School students on November 2 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., with a 7 p.m. showing open to the public.
Students across 12 Decatur City Schools are receiving generous sponsorship from BUNGE to create Día de los Muertos art projects. Select projects will be on display at the Alabama Center for the Arts. Additionally, the Alabama Center for the Arts will be hosting, in the tradition of Día de los Muertos, “Un Altar De La Comunidad” or a “Community Altar.” The community is encouraged to contribute tributes to departed loved ones to the altar throughout the celebration on November 2nd. The Alabama Center for the Arts is a partnership between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University.
From 5-9 p.m. on November 2, the Downtown Decatur Redevelopment Authority, The Downtown Decatur Merchants Association, Decatur/Morgan County Tourism, The Carnegie Visual Arts Center, Decatur Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations will be hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration on 2nd Avenue in downtown Decatur. The street will be closed to allow for a colorful evening of music, authentic food vendors, art, children’s activities, costumes, and face painting. A “Community Corner” will also be available for organizations that serve and/or wish to expand their reach in the Hispanic community.
Please consult Día de los Muertos Social Media Outlets for more detailed information:
https://www.facebook.com/
For more information on the tradition of Día de los Muertos, see the links below in Spanish and English:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Media Release/Danielle Gibson, President & CEO
Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Inc.
