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<\/a><\/p>\nPurchases of food & drinks in the Park will benefit the Murphys Community Club who are responsible for maintaining and improving our lovely park along the creek.\u00a0 The Park will also be the location of our Community Altar where everyone is welcome to contribute a remembrance of a loved one.\u00a0 We will end the event with a blessing and ritual burning of any items left at the altar at the end of the day.<\/p>\n
We encourage you to dress in your best Catrin & Catrina attire.\u00a0 While there will not be a formal contest this year, we will be watching for and acknowledging the best of the best throughout the day.<\/p>\n
Almost 30 businesses will be hosting ofrendas this year.\u00a0 Download the program to see the full list with addresses and themes:<\/p>\n
We have a couple of additional ofrendas and activities that provided information too late to be included in the program: This ancient holiday traces its 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.\u00a0\u00a0 Although this celebration is associated with the dead, it is traditionally a period full of life, happiness, color, food, family, and fun.\u00a0 In Mexico, outdoor markets display and sell symbolic items like special bread, pottery, baskets, candles, paper puppets, candy skulls, and flowers.\u00a0 Skeletons are also an important symbol of this day and are displayed hugging, dancing and laughing in shop windows and on street corners.<\/p>\n Traditional activities are believed to \u201cwelcome the souls of the dead.\u201d\u00a0 The souls are said to return each year to enjoy the pleasures of the life that they once had.\u00a0 These souls are thought to return as spirits from another world to be with their loved ones for a few brief hours.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 It is believed that candlelight, as well as the scent of marigolds and copal incense, will help the ghosts find their way back home.<\/p>\n Additional information on the history, traditions, and beliefs associated with the Day of the Dead can be found on the\u00a0mexconnect<\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/visitmurphys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/DOD-Program-2021-Inside-300x183.jpg\")
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\nTanner Tasting Room on the corner of Main and Algiers will have an ofrenda dedicated to children.\u00a0 They are long-time participants in this event and a stop there is well worth the effort.
\nGabby\u2019s Cuisine on the corner of Main & Jones will have an ofrenda and special menu items.
\nThe Irish Pub will have an ofrenda to those we have lost in our community this past year.
\nMoss & Rust will be hosting Fun Fine Artist and Red Flower Essentials Face Painting and more.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/visitmurphys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/day-of-the-dead-girls-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a>The public is welcome to participate in the remembrance of loved ones by contributing items to the altars.\u00a0 Add to the Community Altar located in the Park or contact the business owner whose altar you would like to contribute to make sure there is an appropriate space for your item.<\/p>\n
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