Flaco Guapo Media/ Jim Sánchez
SAN ANGELO – Dia De Los Muertos, (Day of the Dead) a traditional, Mexican holiday celebration was the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center’s 1st annual event aimed at its community to honor loved ones who passed away.
Master of Ceremonies, Del Velasquez, President of the Hispanic Heritage Committee, welcomed community members who turned out to show their support for both organization and Mexican tradition.
In Velasquez’s remarks, he informed the attendees that the purpose of this event was to raise funds for San Angelo’s own Hispanic Heritage Museum.
Other Hispanic Heritage Committee members present included (not in order): Suzanna Valenzuela, vice president, Monette Molinar, secretary, and Monica Ramos, treasurer.
Photo courtesy of Hispanic Heritage' Facebook.
This DDLM’s tradition involves six of the most common objects found on altars and the symbolic meanings behind each one. The six include; skulls (Calavera), marigolds, perforated paper (papel picado), Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), salt, and photographs.
Photo courtesy of Hispanic Heritage' Facebook.
Of those, the altar "is [considered] an important part of celebrating Mexico’s most famous holiday, Day of the Dead," "Together we will celebrate the lives of our loved ones who are no longer with us by creating this community altar,” stated the HHMCC Committee. With that in mind, the Community Altar was decorated with 3,000 balloons and beautiful flowers, created by Vivid Pop Events and Stemmed Designs.
Tommy Tarango performed at Dia De Los Muertos over the weekend, October 30, 2020. Photo courtesy of Tommy Tarango Music Facebook.
Tarango paid tribute to the legendary performer, Vicente Fernandez with one of his classic in honor of Dia de Los Muertos.
https://www.facebook.com/sanangelohispanicheritage
The three-day weekend held at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts from October 30 through November 3, 2020, also included a painting session from Alejandro Castanon, Fine Art, musical performances from Tommy Tarango, art pieces on display from local SAISD students, a virtual 5K Walk/Run and a folkloric dance group performance
( Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo led with a prayer of benediction before the performance.) Bishop Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo gave insight into the spiritual meaning of this special celebration which can be viewed on Hispanic Heritage's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/sanangelohispanicheritage
The group comprised of 13-year-old, Sheccid, 11-year-old, Didier, and eight-year-old, Irais, Jr., was under its mentor, and mother, Mrs. Irais Colin.
Steve and Hilda walked the 1 mile in honor of Mary Coronado, Robert, and Luis Huerta.
Photo courtesy of Hispanic Heritage' Facebook.
Some of the 5K/Walk Run participants included: Samantha Ann and her brother Dustin who ran the 5K to celebrate the lives of their grandmothers Elizabeth Barron and Ernestina Montana. Adelante, Eddie Samarron Jr. who dedicated his 5K Run in memory of Eddie Zamarron, Sr., Ruby Galvan dedicated his run for multiple loved ones, Cindy Castillo and family all of whom walked the 5K mile in honor of her son, Cesar Castillo.
Photo courtesy of Hispanic Heritage' Facebook.
Also included in the festival was a Youth Art Exhibition, which began Thursday, October 29 through Saturday, October 31, 2020. The variety of art exhibits on display include Lake View's art pieces created by Lincoln Middle School- 7th & 8th grades, and Lakeview Art I classes. These pieces were housed in the SAMFA Coop Gallery, 427 S Oakes St during scheduled hours: Thursday, October 29th- 5 p.m. to 8 p. m; Friday, October 30-from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. And Saturday, October 31- 10 a.m. to 4 p. m (info per a press release.)
San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Committee members from left to right: Mr. Del Velasquez, President, Suzanna Valenzuela, vice president, Monette Molinar, secretary, and Monica Ramos, treasurer.
Photo courtesy of SAHHC.
The Hispanic Heritage Committee was created to serve and represent the Hispanic community and its culture within the City of San Angelo, and promote the community’s past, present, and future. Its’ mission is as follows. The Hispanic Heritage Committee serves to educate and provide public awareness of the Hispanic community’s impact throughout the past, present, and future. The Committee seeks to pursue opportunities such as events and venues to promote the culture, history, and accomplishments of San Angelo’s Hispanic population.