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Category: Local Events Local Events
Published: 21 October 2019 21 October 2019

img 0331 3Marigolds are blooming bright and awaiting harvesting in gardens throughout the Silver City area for use in the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration.
As part of the Silver City annual Dia de los Muertos days of celebration and remembrance, marigolds are a tradition for decorations of ofrendas and other activities envolving this very special time. Last year advance planning was done for this year’s event with a marigold seed exchange. Those seeds were then planted by many and are now being harvested for the marigold collection that is being held a Javalina’s Coffee House on Friday, October 25 from noon till 6 p.m. Marigolds brought in for donation are then available to be used on ofrendas being placed around town. What a kind and generous effort being done by many in support of the Silver City Dia de los Muertos as families pay tribute to their loved ones gone before! The marigolds are also going to be made available for decorations for floats for the big parade on October 27. So if you were part of the marigold seed exchange remember to harvest your marigolds and bring them to the collection on October 25th.
And yes, if you have marigolds that were not part of the seed exchange, “renegade” marigolds will also be welcomed!

Marigolds, both live and hand-crafted, are a traditional part of ofrendas . See how they are so beautifully used on the community ofrenda that has been placed at the Visitor’s Center. It is the amazing creation of Dona “Chickie” Beltran and you can still have items placed on the ofrenda! Please do not place items on the ofrenda yourself. They can be dropped off on October 25 or 26 at Javalina’s Coffee Shop or on October 27 between 12 -4pm at the Dia de los Muertos booth at the Street Festival. When leaving photos , label with the honorees full name and date of birth and date of death. Please label the back with your contact information so that it may be returned to you. Dona “Chickie” Beltran, and her assistant Nena Beavidez are to be appreciated for providing this sacred space to honor those loved ones gone before.

Remember your marigolds, and remember that everyone throughout our community is invited to participate in all of the activities taking place in connection with Silver City Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). October 27th is the street festival with food, fun and music and November 2nd is the procession and blessing of the ofrendas. Check the facebook page, Silver City Dia de los Muertos, for more information on these or other activities.

The 2019 Silver City Dia de los Muertos is a collaborative effort of Silver City Art Association, The Green Chamber, Mimbres Region Arts Council, Silver City Museum and Mainstreet. Also to be thanked are the sponsors: the Town of Silver City, HMS, Rainbow Lizard, Janey & Suzi and SW NMACT. For more information contact Diana Ingalls Leyba 575-388-5725 leybaingalls arts@qwestoffice.net