By Sadie Hunter
For the third year in a row, Nickel Plate Arts will be celebrating Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
The Mexican holiday, which begins Oct. 31 and ends Nov. 2 will be honored by the arts organization, which serves communities along the Nickel Plate rail line in Hamilton and Tipton counties, on Nov. 1 at its Noblesville campus.
The significance of the holiday is to remember loved ones who have died, but in America, is often associated with the Halloween and fall season.
“Many events in this area focus on Halloween, but Day of the Dead gives community members the opportunity to experience a cultural holiday that occurs around the same time as Halloween,” said Kavita Singh, program director at Nickel Plate Arts. “This festive Mexican holiday with ancient roots honors and celebrates the memory of friends and family members who have passed away. Our version amplifies the artistic aspects of Day of the Dead to appeal to people young and old from a range of cultural backgrounds.”
Throughout the day, guests of the event will have the opportunity to create altars, lay out offerings and share food, drinks and music.
“This event offers community members the chance to sample a handful of Mexican traditions that come with the Day of the Dead holiday, including music, food, traditional crafts, art, calvera skull designs and more,” Singh said.
All activities include:
- Ofrenda making: An ofrenda is a collection of objects placed on a ritual altar during the Day of the Dead celebration. Create your own Day of the Dead ofrenda to honor and celebrate memories of a loved one that has passed away, such as a family member, friend or even a pet. In honor of Indiana’s Bicentennial, contribute to a collaborative shrine showcasing famous deceased Hoosiers that have made contributions to Indiana history.
- Calvera making: Children often receive delicious sugar skulls or calavera during Day of the Dead celebrations. Come and decorate our ceramic versions to make and keep forever while snacking on a sugar skull while you work. Calavera skulls are artistic representations of the human skull and date back to Mexican folk art from the 17th century.
- Skull face painting: Children and adults alike will be transformed into Day of the Dead calavera characters.
- Fortune telling: New this year, join local artist Alys Caviness-Gober in fun, Mexican-inspired fortune telling including tarot cards, reading tealeaves and more.
Other Day of the Dead activities will include hands-on Mexican folk crafts, storytelling, live music, piñata smashing and Mexican-inspired food and drinks.
DAY OF THE DEAD
What: This artsy Day of the Dead celebration at Nickel Plate Arts includes food and drinks in addition to learning about the Mexican holiday’s traditions including the creation of altars, laying out offerings, and sharing music and stories with loved ones.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1.
Where: Nickel Plate Arts campus, 107 S. Eighth St., Noblesville.
Cost: $6/person. Buy a ticket by visiting squ.re/2dE1FMn. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, but pre-order is encouraged.
Registration: Registration not required.
More: Email phunkin@nickelplatearts.org, or call 317-452-3690 for more details.
