"Recuerde" An exhibition for Dia de los Muertos
October 29 - November 18, 2005
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 29, 2005, 6-8pm
La Peña presents its annual exhibition and celebration for Dia de los Muertos. "Recuerde" (Remember) features artwork from students of Austin Waldorf School as well as traditional altars for the dead by various children, artists, and people from the community. The opening takes place on Saturday, October 29th at 6 pm. The exhibit runs through November 18th.
More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock dead. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. It was a ritual the Spaniards would try to unsuccessfully eradicate. It is known today as "Dia de los Muertos" and is celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States. Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives viewed it as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they truly awaken. The celebration of Dia de los Muertos is full of symbols, history, and traditions that express the roots of a culture.