Mexican "Day of the Dead"
presentation to be given in Holley

On Wednesday, October 23 residents in and around Holley will have the opportunity to "travel" to Mexico, via the Community Free Library on the Public Square. Family Ties Do Not Die, a slide presentation depicting the "Day of the Dead" in Oaxaca, Mexico, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Photographer and RIT professor Dennis Defibaugh will lead the audience through his colorful images and experiences of this important Mexican holiday. In addition, a workshop on Mexican papercutting will be available for younger attendees. This free program is one of a series of library presentations in Albion, Medina, Holley and Lyndonville that focuses on the arts and traditions of the Mexican "Day of the Dead" holiday. It is co-sponsored by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The Day of the Dead embodies cultural and spiritual practices developed over centuries in Central and Latin America, combining indigenous American practices and Western beliefs. The process began during the Conquest, when Catholic missionaries adapted their religion to the indigenous ones, and native peoples added elements of Catholicism to their own practices. All Saints and All Souls Days merged with local harvest rites, to become the Day of the Dead tradition, now found in Mexico and many parts of Latin America.

Today, the Days of the Dead are celebrated throughout Mexico from October 31 through November 2, with distinct regional and local variations. The power of death is mocked by way of skeleton toys, reveling and music, and with candles and a special "bread of the dead," symbols of the triumph of life over death. Families throughout the country welcome back the spirits of loved ones with special home altars containing marigolds, incense, photos, mementos, and the favorite food and drink of the departed.

Over the past decade, Denis Defibaugh has traveled frequently to the Mexican state of Oaxaca (wa-HA-ka), an area well known for the artistic traditions of its many indigenous groups. He will share his first-hand experiences of the Days of the Dead in their country of origin, and offer beautiful and intriguing images of the people and festivities. His stories and explanations of the images offer a unique insight into one of Mexico's most important holidays.

Area residents will have an additional opportunity to experience something of Mexican culture at the Day of the Dead Celebration on October 26, 4 p.m. - midnight, Tower Fine Arts Center, Holley Street, Brockport.

This program is made possible by support from the New York State Council on the Arts Folk Arts Program and a Parent and Child Library Service Grant. For further information contact Karen Canning at 343-9313, or 800-774-7372, or the Library staff at 638-6987.