By Kelly Lovering
El
Buen Amigo will host its second annual Día de los Muertos celebration Sunday,
November 1st, from 4 – 8PM, at 114 Elmwood Avenue. Día de Los Muertos is a traditional
Mexican holiday that brings together family, friends and loved ones to honor
those who have passed.
The
annual fete is the non-profit fair trade store’s effort to connect the community of Buffalo with Latin
American culture and traditions through cuisine, music and dance.
“This
celebration is about encouraging people in our community to invest in artisans and communities in Latin America, where all of our goods come from,” according to Anna Miller, El
Buen Amigo programming and development director.
Featured
musical guests are Mexican folk artist Clandestina and La Raza Cósmica, performing an
infusion of African, Indigenous American and Spanish mixed rhythm and dance,
also known as El Son Jarocho, which is derived from the Gulf of Mexico. Other musical performances include La Marimba, a Buffalo group that plays music native to Central America, and members of the Jean,
Paul, and Jeremy Accordion Quintet. In addition, traditional Latin food will be offered.
Traditionally
Día de Los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in correlation with the
Catholic holidays, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Those who celebrate Día
de los Muertos will traditionally decorate and visit grave sites of passed
loved ones, build altars honoring the dead, and give gifts of sugar skulls (las
calacas) or marigold flowers. The tradition is meant to commemorate the
deceased and to celebrate life.
There
is a five-dollar suggested donation to benefit the Latin American Cultural Association (LACA). Doors will open at 4 PM, party lasts until 8PM. Know that all proceeds from sales are directed toward benefitting impoverished communities in Latin America.
El
Buen Amigo retail store is open seven days a week. Their international artisan
works are available for purchase.
Other services provided include dance lessons, native Spanish classes,
school tours, art exhibitions y mucho mas. For more information on the Día
de Los Muertos celebration, or for an online coupon to the shop, visit
www.elbuenamigo.org.