A new admission-free event on Saturday, November 1 at the Encinitas Library
Encinitas, CA. The newly formed Encinitas Friends of the Arts (EFA) and the City of Encinitas Arts Division announce the first Encinitas Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The admission-free event takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2014, 12:00-4:00pm, at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024. The family-friendly event will include four hours of continuous performances by some of the best talent in San Diego, including Danza Azteca, Ballet Folklorico el Tapatio, Los Cuatro Amigos, Ballet Folklorico la Fiesta del Puebla, and Grupo Folclórico Tapatío de Oceanside, plus hands-on workshops to make traditional items associated with Dia de los Muertos, artist demonstrations, a student art exhibit by Paul Ecke Central school, and a prize drawing every hour. A Community Ofrenda—or remembrance altar—will feature a replica of the Surfing Madonna, by artist Mark Patterson. “Adding the Surfing Madonna to the Ofrenda makes this a uniquely Encinitas event,” said Jim Gilliam, Arts Administrator for the city. All are invited to honor the memory of a loved one or friend by contributing a copy of a photograph or non-valuable remembrance to the Ofrenda. The Ofrenda and student art exhibit will be on view in the lobby of the library from November 1-6, 2014.
Beatriz Villarreal, Program Director of the Mano a Mano Foundation, will emcee the event. “This is the first Dia de los Muertos celebration that has taken place in Encinitas,” said Dr. Villarreal. “This is a huge deal for the Latino community. Dia de los Muertos provides people with the opportunity to rejoice in the living memories of their loved ones. It also serves as a positive affirmation of the cycle of life and death, allowing people to reconnect with the spirits of their loved ones. It is an important way to
celebrate our culture and serves as an educational resource, teaching people around the world about our traditions.”
“After many years of attending wonderful Dia de los Muertos events in Santa Ana, Barrio Logan and elsewhere, I am excited to join with our committee in presenting this new event in Encinitas, “ said EFA President, Naimeh Tanha Woodward. “Our city has the second-highest number of artists per capita in San Diego County and it is a pleasure and a thrill to work with many artists in shaping this event. I look forward to highlighting their artistry and celebrating Dia de los Muertos with our community!”
Encinitas Dia de los Muertos is made possible by a generous grant from the County of San Diego. Supervisor Dave Roberts will serve as the Honorary Chair of the celebration. “I am proud to support these culture-based programs as it is so important to create opportunities for diverse artistic expression. And, as the father of five adopted children, I also appreciate the chance to participate in a fun, free family event.” Encinitas Dia de los Muertos is sponsored by California Coast Credit Union, San Dieguito Art Guild, Encinitas Friends of the Arts, and the City of Encinitas. It is supported by the Mano a Mano Foundation, the San Diego County Library, Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, and Paint Encinitas.
INFO
For a schedule of events, or more information, visit: www.EncinitasArts.org, or call (760) 633-2746.
About Día de los Muertos: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of life and remembrance that is traditionally celebrated each year on November 1 and 2.
About Encinitas Friends of the Arts: The mission of Encinitas Friends of the Arts (EFA) is to partner with the City of Encinitas by fundraising and advocating for the cultural arts in Encinitas, and for a city-owned Center for the Arts. Established by the Encinitas Commission for the Arts in April 2014, EFA works to elevate arts and culture, and presents programs in arts education and public art. EFA is a pending 501(c)(3) and is currently a fund of the Coastal Community Foundation. For more info, visit: www.EncinitasArts.org
