Day of the Dead 2008
Celebrate with those who have gone before. Feast with them and welcome them home for a visit. The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a time for the dead to return home and visit loved ones, feast on their favorite foods and listen to their favorite music. Dia de los Muertos is a perfect illustration of the synthesis of pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures, celebrated with a wealth of customs such as colorful adornments. One of the most impressive properties on the Mendocino Coast - Little River Inn - is anchoring the Second Annual Mendocino County Day of the Dead Festival which rattles its bones from October 18 through November 2, 2008. For those who love Mexican art and Mexican food, both of which feature prominently during Dias de los Muertos, this is the perfect celebration.
The Festival begins as you follow the Altar Trail on your way to the North Coast. There will be a grand community altar on the lawn at the Mendocino Art Center but that’s just one installation - there are over two dozen “altar host” sites throughout the county. Galleries, wineries and local businesses will also be showcasing a commemorative altar made by the host or a local artist. Most altars are available for purchase, so be sure to look for the silent auction sheet to make your bid. Check out the Altar Trail Map.
In addition to the Altar Trail there will be an installation at Little River Inn’s Abalone Room showcasing wallhangings created by members of the community. Locals have created squares of fabric with a Day of the Dead theme, which are sewn together into wallhangings by local quilters. The wallhangings will be sold at silent auction as well, and the proceeds donated to Project Sanctuary.
This year’s festival also showcases art workshops and food demonstrations:
October 18 at 2 pm, 4 pm & 7 pm: Free Frida Film Fiesta
Join us for a free viewing of three marvelous films about one of Mexico’s most famous artists. In addition to Salma Hayek’s loving treatment in her Academy Award winning film “Frida” we will also be screening an A&E biography of the life of Frida Kahlo and The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo, a documentary by Amy Stechler. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River. 707-937-5942
October 25 at 4 pm: Tequila tasting
Say goodbye to the worm! This is not a sampling of Senor Cuervo’s finest but some of the more sophisticated tequilas not generally known to the public at large. Not just an excuse to imbibe in the afternoon, this is actually a learning experience - the wine buyer (or “Juan, El Padrino de Tequila”) at Little River Inn leads the tasting and discusses the history and subtleties of these elegant tequilas. Tickets are $40; proceeds benefit Project Sanctuary. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River. 707-937-5942
October 26 from 7:30 am - noon: Margarita Brunch
Why not start the day with a little pizzazz! Instead of champagne with your Sunday morning eggs set the day’s mood with a margarita. Reservations recommended. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River. 707-937-5942
October 26 from 1:00-2:00 pm: Mole demonstration
Holy Mole! Stanford Inn is hosting a mole “how-to” workshop. Learn how to perfect your mole technique, then visit their Ofrenda a los Animales - an altar created by the staff to honor beloved animals. Stanford Inn, Highway 1 & Comptche-Ukiah Road, Mendocino. 707-937-5615
October 27 at 6:00 pm: Quilt Show
We guarantee you’ll be impressed by our local talent. Community-created wallhangings are available for viewing beginning this evening until Thursday’s reception when they will be sold at silent auction. Each piece is unique and lovingly created by a member of our community then sewn together to create a wallhanging by incredibly talented local quilters. The installation is available for viewing all week from 3:00-6:00 p.m. through October 30. Abalone Hall, Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River. 707-937-5942
October 28 at 5:00 pm: Dinner with Local Artists
Fulfill a fantasy - join Frida Kahlo & Emmy Lou Packard, a well-known Mendocino artist, for dinner at the Purple Rose in Cleone. Frida and Emmy Lou will recount shared memories from their fascinating past. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River. 707-937-5942 Cost: $21
October 29 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Sangria Reception
Enjoy a glass of sangria at Stanford Inn’s Art Opening and Reception celebrating their entry on the Altar Trail. Stanford Inn, Highway 1 & Comptche-Ukiah Road, Mendocino. 707-937-5615
October 30 at 5:00 pm: Reception & Silent Auction
Last year this event was a sell out and we expect the same again this year. This is the final opportunity to view these incredible wallhangings and bid on your favorite piece. Proceeds from the auction benefit Project Sanctuary; free refreshments. In addition to the silent auction there will be a mercado featuring Mexican novelties and artwork. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River. 707-937-5942
November 1 from 9:00 - 4:30 pm: Shrine-making Class
Make a collage, diorama, an assemblage piece or altar honoring your loved ones or any inspirational figure in your life. Using found objects you can make your own shrine for a table top or a wall, and wear a small version of it as well by using some of the same elements in both creations. Class is taught by Rena Dein who has led altar workshops in the Bay Area for 25 years. $70 per person includes supplies. Class is for older teens and adults. Please call 937-5942 for reservations. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River.
November 1 at 10:00 am: Sugar Skull Workshop
Edible Art! Join Little River Inn’s Connie Reynolds for a reprise of last year’s very successful Sugar Skull Workshop. Your ticket price of $25 buys you more than just fabulous memories - you’ll also take away all the supplies you need to make them at home. Mendocino Art Center, 45200 Little Lake Rd, Mendocino. 707-937-5818
November 1 at 2:00 pm: Storytelling
Join local storyteller Robin Borgers as she weaves her tales for kids and adults alike. Robin loves exploring fairy tales and myths, and will be sharing stories of the “other side” from Inuit, Celtic and Mexican cultures. Mendocino Art Center, 45200 Little Lake Rd, Mendocino. 707-937-5818 Free
November 2 from 7:30 am - noon: Margarita Brunch
This is your second chance to start the day with a guilty pleasure. Reservations recommended. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River. 707-937-5942
In addition to activities on the North Coast there will be celebrations in Gualala (the art center is featuring food demonstrations and a live mariachi band), Boonville (community altar), Ukiah and Willits (Triple Trinity Temple of the Arts). The County’s libraries are hosting displays, the elementary schools are involved, local non-profits are on board - you can just feel the buzz starting and the energy rising.
