In case no one has noticed, Saturday, Oct. 29, is going to be a major party day for kids and families in Artesia! So get your costumes ready — here is what’s going on.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is going to be celebrated from 1-5 p.m. at the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center, and YOU are invited for an afternoon of come-and-go activities, traditional refreshments, AND lots of fun.
Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican and South American holiday that combines ancient Aztec, Spanish and Catholic beliefs. The holiday honors our loved ones that have passed away and is an opportunity for artistic expression.
Crafting and handmade decorations have a long tradition in Día de los Muertos celebrations. Many communities decorate their loved ones’ graves, and personalized memorials are created as tributes to those who are gone. Elaborately decorated sugar skulls are displayed in shop windows, and necklaces, pins, hats, clothing, earrings, and just about anything else you can think of feature smiling Calaveras (skeletons).
The museum’s celebration will have plenty of sugar skulls to decorate — in living dead colors with glitter! There will also be art masks to decorate and customize, temporary tattoos, fabulous jewelry to make, scratcher ornaments, plus chalk art and traditional designs to color. PLUS there will be two selfie stations (one will be kid-sized!) set up for everyone to take their own photos of their cool look and traditional refreshments on hand for everyone to sample.
Call 748-2390 for more information, and don’t forget to come in costume!
After you’ve celebrated Día de los Muertos, switch gears for some Halloween fun!
Halloween is a European tradition that evolved from fall harvest festivals, and the Artesia Public Library will host “Halloween Fun” from 4-5 p.m. There will be Halloween-themed games for candy and several crafts, including make your own skeleton, pumpkin sun catchers, and other spooky crafts. Also, there will be a story corner where people can listen to a Halloween story. People who show up in a costume will be entered into a drawing to win books and other prizes. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Call 746-4252 for more information.
Artesia’s Halloween celebration will continue with Artesia MainStreet’s Trick-or-Treat MainStreet event from 5-7 p.m. Downtown merchants will be giving out plenty of candy, with a costume contest at Yum Yum Yogurt and DJ Drowzzzy Drew providing tunes. A preview of “Sleepy Hollow” will also be part of the fun…
Which brings us to the final event of the day: The Artesia Arts Council’s presentation of “Sleepy Hollow: The Musical” by the Ocotillo Comedy Troupe at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center! Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, and 2 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 — everyone that attends the 8:30 p.m. show on Saturday in costume will get in free AND get a chance to win a season ticket (worth $450!). Call 746-4212 for more information.
Artesia MainStreet is still accepting donations (candy or financial) for the Trick-or-Treat MainStreet event; donations can be dropped off at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce, 107 N. First St., or call 746-1117 for more information.
