An Early Celebration for the Dead

The Tacos Mexigo Restaurant in Stroudsburg, PA celebrated El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) also known as All Souls' Day) early with a performance by Blue Planet/Planeta Azul* on Friday October 30th featuring the introduction of their new percussionist Obi Kaye*. The smooth yet earthy renderings of vocalist Holy Avila* blended with the Cumbia and other musical stylings creating an atmosphere even more appetizing than the Latino cuisine being served. All of which paid a fitting homage to the honored traditions of the holiday.

El Día de los Muertos takes place in Mexico and is practiced by Latin Americans living in the United States. It usually occurs on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day and focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember those who have died. Traditions associated with this holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased placing gifts of sugar skulls and marigolds along with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Please contact The Tacos Mexigo Restaurant at 570-421-6676 for more information about this and future events they have to offer the community. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian-arts

The websites of those mentioned in the article are Blue Planet/Planeta Azul* at www.myspace.com/blueplanetplanetaazul, and Obi Kaye* at www.shaved-monkey.com.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.