Page 11 - November 2017 The Castle Pines Connection proof 7

CastlePinesConnection.com
Mexican holiday grows in
Colorado popularity; a
remembrance for loved ones
11
Lifestyle
A Colorado Winter
Information and photo provided by the Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundations
The Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation is excited to present a multi- media slide show presentation for the holidays by John Fielder on December
1 at 7 p.m. at the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District building, located at 7404 Yorkshire Drive, Castle Pines.
"A Colorado Winter" is derived from Fielder's new book of the same title. Fielder will share stories of life on the winter trail, often en route to remote cabins in Colorado’s diverse winter hut network. Beautiful music has been carefully selected to marry with the world of white.
A resident of Summit County, Fielder has worked tirelessly to promote the protection of Colorado’s ranches, open space, and wildlands during his 35-
year career as a nature photographer
and publisher. His photography has in uenced people and legislation, earning him much recognition. Information about John and his work can be found at john elder.com.
To register, please visit castlepinesarts@ gmail.com. Admission is free, but pre- registration is manditory.
By John Basche
For many of us, pumpkins on the stoop and falling leaves mark our transition to our holiday season preparations. However, for many Coloradans the start of November marks an opportunity to pause and re ect on loved ones lost. Of cially November 1 and 2, Day of
the Dead or “Día de Muertos” is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated around the world and particularly growing in popularity in Colorado and throughout the southwest. Based on
the belief that life should not be mourned or grieved, Day of the Dead celebrations bring family and friends together to honor and pray for lost loved ones to help them on their spiritual journey. While numerous traditions can make up this remembrance celebration, families often gather to create colorful altars to the departed that can include favorite foods and toys for
the deceased, rich symbolic folk art, as well as parades.
This year on the Front Range, educational Day of the Dead gatherings took place throughout, providing a chance for many across cultural boundaries to learn and experience this tradition. With more than 6,000 attendees, Longmont’s
Day of the Dead festivities marked the largest gathering in the state. For those who might be interested in experiencing this cultural phenomena rst hand, it is not too late. The Denver Botanical Gardens will be hosting
its Dia de los Muertos festival on Saturday November 4 from noon until 8 p.m. With a full slate of family-oriented activities, including face painting, costumes and family crafts,
this event is a great local way to get out and experience and learn about Day of the Dead traditions.
Even Walt Disney Pictures is capturing the Day of the Dead concept with its upcoming movie “Coco,” which is based on the holiday. The lm is scheduled to release November 22.
Though traditionally scheduled to run in parallel with other remembrance events like All Saint’s Eve and All Souls Day, this Mexican holiday is quickly becoming a more popular celebration and is a cross-over mainstream event that reminds us of the importance to pause and re ect on our dear family and friends who still hold importance in our hearts.