Murphys, CA…Mark your Calendar now and plat to join us to Honor the Dead in the Land of the Skulls – Murphys businesses and tasting rooms will be hosting our Seventh Annual Day of the Dead Celebration on Saturday November 5th, 2016 this year with traditional decorations, entertainment, treats and celebrations.

Participating businesses will be offering authentic cultural art, food, sugar skulls, face painting and live music, as well as displaying altars celebrating the lives of those who have passed on but are with us in heart and spirit on the Day of the Dead. We’ll once again include a Catrina and Catrin Dress Contest at 4:30 pm Saturday afternoon in the Park followed by a Candle Light Procession to the Catholic Cemetery. Those wishing to participate in the procession should meet at the Park by 5:45 pm. Make sure to bring your flashlight and warm clothing. Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muertos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. Download the Schedule here.

The celebration in the Park will include traditional entertainment beginning at 1 pm featuring folklorico dancers, musicians, food and drinks for sale and authentic craft vendors. Purchases of food, wine and beer will benefit the Murphys Community Club who are responsible for maintaining and improving our lovely park along the creek. This year the folklorico dancers will again offer dancing lessons in the Native Sons Hall.

This ancient holiday traces it’s roots back to the indigenous cultures of Mexico, Latin America and Europe but has become inextricably intertwined with the Catholic observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day over time. Although this celebration is associated with the dead, it is traditionally a period full of life, happiness, color, food, family and fun. In Mexico, outdoor markets display and sell symbolic items like special breads, pottery, baskets, candles, paper puppets, candy skulls and flowers. Skeletons are also an important symbol of this day and are displayed hugging, dancing and laughing in shop windows and on street corners.

Traditional activities are believed to “welcome the souls of the dead.” The souls are said to return each year to enjoy the pleasures of the life that they once had. These souls are thought to return as spirits from another world to be with their loved ones for a few brief hours. A widely held belief is that the souls of children (angelitos) return first so food and gifts appealing to children are set out for them. The adult dead are said to return a day or two later and their favorite items as well as elaborate food and drink are set out for them as well. It is believed that candle light as well as the scent of marigolds and copal incense will help the ghosts find their way back home.

There will be activities appropriate for children as well as face painters.

The public is welcome to participate in the remembrance of loved ones by contributing items to the altars. Please contact the business owner first though to make sure there is an appropriate space for your item.

Additional information on the history, traditions and beliefs associated with the Day of the Dead can be found on the mexconnect website.

Like the event on Facebook Dia De Los Muertos Murphys California where you can also find additional information on this years celebration and sign up to participate in the Catrin/Catrina contest.

Thank you to our 2016/2017 sponsors who make this event possible: Mark Twain Medical Center/Dignity Health, Marisolio Tasting Bar, The Lucky Penny, The Spice Tin, Bodega del Sur Winery, Tanner Vineyards, Murphys Historic Hotel, Villa Vallecito, Sierra Hills Market, Ironstone Vineyards, Milliaire Winery, Black Sheep Winery, Sac A Main/The Man Cave and Aria Bakery. Please thank them when you stop in next time.