Day of the Dead draws crowd to Fairgrounds in celebration of Mexican culture

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Natalie Barnard, 18, of Albio n gets her face painted by Mary Jo Whitman during today’s Day of the Dead celebration at the Orleans County 4-H fairgrounds.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council organized the event which celebrated Mexican culture and traditions for a Día de los Muertos.

Jodi Fisher of GO Art! was busy in the kitchen as soon as the doors opened for the festival at 11 a.m. She is serving chicken tinga tostadas with crisp corn tortillas layered with spicy shredded chicken.

There was an ofrenda, which is an altar. People were encouraged to leave notes or mementoes for departed loved ones.

People left messages for family members and other loved ones who have passed away.

This note was left in honor of Dolores Huerta, who died on Oct. 28 in Bakersfield, Calif. at age 96. She was an iconic leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers union. She was also known for her enduring rallying cry “Sí, se puede!” — which translates to “Yes, it can be done!”

Diana Bueno wore calavera makeup. The Day of the Dead isn’t a sad representation of death. Instead calaveras and other displays are brightly colored and decorated to show that life and memory continue past death.

The festival was free to attend. Participants were welcome to create colorful works inspired by Mexican art and Día de los Muertos traditions, including tissue-paper marigolds, La Catrina dolls, Mexican-inspired tile art, monarch butterfly art, calavera (sugar skull) masks and alebrije-inspired creatures.

A La Catrina doll is on display next to a screen that showed previously produced videos highlighting the holiday’s traditions and cultural significance. The Day of Dead last year was held at the Medina Triennial and previously was at the YMCA in Medina.

Giant puppets were part of the celebration for Día de los Muertos.