Friday, November 2, 2012

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS


Last night I attended a Dia de los Muertos event at the Desert Botanical Garden.  It was called Cuisine and Culture and it was a combination of the history of the celebration and some authentic traditional dishes that are cooked during this time.  It was an extremely delicious and entertaining evening.  First we learned about the traditional offerings or altars that families create.  The one above is a good example.  Everything in it is symbolic, the clay dog in the front guides the spirit along that path behind it.  On the path are salt and water for nourishment and it's lined with candles to light the way.  At the top is a mirror (it's very hard to see in this photo) that serves as a window to the afterlife.

Artist Zarco Guerrero assumed some interesting characters to help tell us about the 3000 year old history of this holiday.

Silvana Salcido Esparza, the renowned chef of Barrio Cafe and Barrio Queen created her special mole along with a few other traditional and delightful dishes.

If you are ever in Phoenix, I highly recommend a trip to one of these two restaurants.  You won't be sorry.
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10 comments:

  1. ThérèseNovember 2, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    Such a respectable tradition! I always admired these altars at the DBG.

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  2. KateNovember 2, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    This is a very elaborate display. You must have had a great evening.

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  3. LowellNovember 2, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    I find this all so interesting. It is, I guess, similar to All Souls Day in the European tradition. Certainly a lot of color and good food.

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  4. JudyNovember 2, 2012 at 8:16 AM

    DBG is full of fun things to do! A very colorful picture for us today.

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  5. SharonNovember 2, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    I forgot to mention in my comentary that this particular altar was dedicated to Gertrude Webster, the founder of Desert Botanical Garden. A photograph of her is at the top of the altar and the altar was adorned with her favorite food and drink.

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  6. RandyNovember 2, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    I agree with you about the restaurants, not to be missed. Looks like a fun event.

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  7. glendaNovember 2, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    What a great way to learn about this part of the Mexican culture.

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  8. RedPatNovember 2, 2012 at 11:12 AM

    Looks like a fun time!

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  9. CatalystNovember 2, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    SWMBO and the BRD visited the Barrio Cafe at my urging and loved it. Then the BRD and her Beau Jack went and they both loved it. I (poor soul) have yet to make it.

    That's a beautiful Dia de los Muertos display. Mexicans do love color.

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  10. UnknownNovember 3, 2012 at 4:36 AM

    I just love Dia de los Muertos! Hope to be back in Mexico on November 1st one day.

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