Silver City, NM- The once quiet and tranquil Miller Library was filled with the rich sounds of Mariachi Plata in commemoration to the Day of the Dead. Dia de los Muertos, in English “day of the dead” is a Mexican tradition held on November 1st used to honor and remember loved ones that have passed away. The holiday is traditionally celebrated by setting up an altar of pictures, objects, and foods that the person used to love, crafting sugar skulls, and of course, mariachi!
The event began with a short film created by MeCHa that illustrated the significance of the tradition and how it is celebrated in Mexico. Soon after, Mariachi Plata took over the floor and played a set of joyful songs, which include Amo Esta Tierra/ El Pasajero and of course Viva Mexico/El Viajero, which speaks of the pride and love for the land and it’s rich culture. Mariachi Plata finished off with a distinctive song titled La Llorona by Chavela Vargas. In the song, the singer craved release from life’s stress and wanted nothing more but death, whom she spoke to as “La Llorona”. The song is most commonly heard in the movie Frida, with it’s sorrowful lyrics accompanied an already emotional montage.
The entrance of Miller Library was also home to three different altars done by The Center for Gender Equity and Social Justice and the library staff and work studies. The Center’s altar reflects the iconic Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist and LGBTQ icon. Kahlo held respect and absolute pride towards Mexican roots and traditions, and no other life was so involved with death and energy than Frida Kahlo.
ASWNMU helped pay for some Mexican treats offered at the event and the sugar skulls provided for the public to decorate towards the end of the show.
