Murphys, CA…Murphys merchants and tasting rooms will be celebrating our Seventh Annual Day
of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, on Saturday, November 5th from 11-6 pm.
Participating businesses and vendors will be offering authentic cultural art, food,
sugar skulls, face painting and live music, as well as displaying ofrendas (altars)
celebrating the lives of those who have passed on but are with us in heart and spirit
on the Day of the Dead.

The Catrina and Catrin Dress Contest will begin at 4:30 pm in the Community Park
followed by a Candle Light Procession to the Cemetary. Those wishing to compete
in the Catrina Contest must be signed up by 4pm. Visit our facebook page or stop
by our booth in the Park to sign up. Those wishing to participate in the procession
should meet in the Park at 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 brief ceremony and traditional story.
The Folklorica Dancers will be offering dancing lessons in the Native Sons Hall
beginning at 2pm. Sign up at our booth in the Park.
Join us for the celebration in the Park from 11:00 pm to 4:00 pm featuring face
painters, folklorico dancers, rondalla musicians and artisan vendors. Traditional
food and drinks will be for sale in the Park until 4:00 pm or whenever we sell out.
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.
In the event of rain, all entertainment and food sales will be located in the Native
Sons Hall at 389 Main Street in Historic Downtown Murphys.
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.
The public is welcome to participate in the remembrance of loved ones by
contributing items to the altars. Please contact the individual business owner first
though to make sure there is an appropriate space for your item. This year Milliaire
Tasting Room will host a Community Ofrenda, The Pourhouse will have crafts for
children and The Lucky Penny will host letter writing to those who have passed.
Make sure to check out our program online to see a list of all the Ofrendas and
activities or pick up a printed program at our booth in the Park. Programs will also
be available at The Spice Tin, Marisolio Tasting Room, Tanner Vineyards Tasting
Room, Bodega del Sur Tasting Room and The Lucky Penny in the week before the
event.
Like the event on Facebook Dia De Los Muertos Murphys California where you can
find additional information on this year’s celebration, a downloadable program and
map and sign up to participate in the Catrin/Catrina contest. Or visit us at
http://visitmurphys.com/ for additional information.