Day of the Dead festivities in Longmont didn’t have the same lively feel this year in response to COVID-19, but there has still been plenty to celebrate. And the festivities will continue Sunday with a free, livestreamed event from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Sunday’s virtual event will feature local performers including singing Mexican trio, Las Dahlias; Grupo Folklorico Mexico Lindo dance, mariachi, poetry by bicultural community leader Laura Soto and more.
“Traditionally, in a COVID-free world, we would be hosting Dia de los Muertos in downtown, with traditional dancers and processions to celebrate the holiday so we are just adapting that as best as we can (this year),” Mersadi McClure, creative district coordinator for the Longmont Downtown Development Authority, told the Leader last month.
The virtual celebration will be livestreamed on the museum’s Facebook page, Longmont Public Media and on Comcast channels 8 and 880.
In addition, the museum’s annual Día de Muertos exhibition featuring ofrendas, or altars, built by community members and the work of internationally recognized Colorado artist Tony Ortegawill remain on display until Jan. 9. The exhibit also can be viewed via 360 virtual tour available on the Longmont Day of the Dead website.
At the Firehouse Art Center, the Dia de los Muertos 2020 exhibit, curated by Grace Gutierrez and showcasing the work of Adrian Raya, Cal Duran, Javier Flores and Ramon Trujillo, will be on display through Nov. 8. “At the heart of this exhibit are their meticulously crafted altars. Their ofrendas address local events of historical significance, chronicling the relationship between faith, family, history and culture, while promoting reflection on how history can guide us through this trying year,” according to information on the exhibit posted to the Longmont Day of the Dead website.
Self-guided tours of altars at downtown businesses also can be taken through Nov. 6. A list of businesses featuring ofrendas can be viewed here. Two nichos from Denver Botanical Gardens also can be viewed at St. Stephen's Plaza and in the 400 West Breezeway off Main Street. Nichos are small hand-made boxes, approximately 5-by-8- feet, constructed to display lovingly crafted scenarios, according to the website.
