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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 07 November 2018 07 November 2018

Photos and video by Sandra Michaud

The third day of the Día de los Muertos celebrations, November 2, is known as All Souls Day, the time when the souls of the beloved are said to cross the veil and visit their loved ones. Altars, or Ofrendas, are created; traditional Día de los Muertos decorations such as skulls, marigolds and candles are combined with the deceased’s favorite things.

Last Friday evening, people gathered on the lawn of the Silver City Museum to listen to Angelica Padilla sing. Then they moved into the museum where they learned about the Ofrenda created to by Margaret “Chickie” Beltran, and her apprentices, Monika Wright and Nena Benavidez. The Ofrenda honored Theodora Hobart, who lived in the Ailman house, now the museum, from 1892 to 1908.

After blessing the Ofrenda, the three passed around sweet Pan de Muertos, then the procession formed and proceeded from site to site. At each store or gallery Nena Benavidez blessed to Ofrenda, and Angelica Padilla sang.

The procession ended at the Ofrenda at WNMU, where participants could add something of his or her loved one.