HARLINGEN — A variety of colors and flowers decorate a designated corner of the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum.
The Dia De Los Muertos exhibit started last week and will hold its opening reception this Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
According to Stefani Miller, Museum Coordinator, the exhibit has been a tradition since 2006 and has grown with the years.
Organizations and residents from the community get a spot in this exhibit to commemorate a loved one they lost.
El Dia De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday which begins Oct. 31 and ends Nov. 2.
“We invite people in the community to set up an altar to honor their family and friends who have passed on,” Mary Torres, President at the RGV Museum Association, said.
“It is kind of unusual but you are finding them all over the United States now, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, wherever Hispanic people have settled,” she said.
Torres said in the Mexican tradition it is important to remember people who have gone on. To do this, the altars are decorated with their photos, food they enjoyed or activities.
“Right now we even have some altars dedicated to pets. One for dogs, one for an iguana. Whatever is important to the person,” she said.
Torres is also the president of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society, who decorates an altar every year.
“This year we are doing a tribute to Rio Grande Valley veterans. Every year we try to do something a little bit different. One year we even did one to buildings that were torn down in Harlingen,” Torres said.
“That was different but part of our history gone,” she said.
According to Torres, the opening reception is very well attended every year. It includes Peruvian music and Mexican dancers.
“It is a very colorful event where everyone is invited,” she said.
MORE INFO
Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Guided Tour
$1 Children / $2 Adult
Closed Mondays and Major Holidays
2425 Boxwood St., Harlingen
Phone (956) 216-4901
Fax (956) 430-8502
Family and friends are welcome to come and view the Dia de los Muertos Altars decorated by different families and organizations. No admission or fees are necessary, monetary donations are appreciated.
The Exhibit Reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Exhibit will be open from Tuesday, Oct. 15 – Sunday, Nov. 10.
