Sandi Newberry
The October meeting of Catalina Timewalkers, Chapter No. 1389 of The Questers was held at the Halloween-themed home of Roberta Williams with Linda Holt co-hosting. Stevie Mac of CISZMAC in Tucson and author of two books on the Day of the Dead was the speaker.
Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and people of Mexican ancestry living in other places. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have died. It has become associated with October 31, November 1 and 2 to coincide with All Saints Day. The three day fiesta is filled with marigolds, the flower of the dead, muestos the bread of the dead, sugar skulls, cardboard skeletons, tissue paper decorations, fruit and vegetables and other traditional decorations.
Other traditions connected with Day of the Dead are displaying artistic skulls, which are always smiling and made of many different materials such as clay, paper, wood or plastic. People go to cemeteries all night to be with their departed loved one and build altars designed for their soul to return containing their favorite food, water and memorabilia. There are parades and pageantry.
Program presenter Stevie Mac showed slides of Day of the Dead artwork. In 1910 artist Jose’ Guadalupe Posado created a famous figure of the La Calavera Catrina as a way to poke fun at aristocrats. Catrina figures as a costumed female with a skeleton-like face are a big part of modern Day of Dead observations. Recently Catrinas with a Frida Kahlo looking skeletal face have become popular.
The Catalina Timewalkers welcome new members. We meet once per month on Friday mornings in October through May with the purpose of stimulating the appreciation of antiques and collectibles through study and to encourage the restoration and preservation of historic landmarks. If interested in attending a meeting or learning more information, please call Sandi Newberry at 520-818-0199.