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El Dia De Los Muertos 2008
Welcome to the report
from the 19th annual
Day of the Dead “El Dia De Los Muertos” event
I have compiled a Slide Show for you to enjoy entitled “Muertos 2008 Slideshow,” with over 300 photos of the event divided into several sections. Enjoy the auto show, or scroll at your own pace. Enter full screen at the bottom and return to a regular screen by clicking esc.
This year’s event was a huge success with over 700 people attending throughout the evening. This celebration of life there was food and kids’ fun began early with face painting, sugar skull decorating and a clown for entertainment. Many who attended came from other events or from work came late and stayed later.
The east side of the Coronado Neighborhood had a particularly strong showing as our Hispanic neighbors got on cell phones and sent text messages to their neighbors that there was an open party. This has always been a goal of mine, having the event outside at this location, and it worked. The DJ kept the attendees dancing all evening long, and the food selections this year were superb as everyone brought specialties to share, along with the huge pots of chili we made, there were tamales, and the taco stand, and one of our neighbors came and sold her white corn on a stick with all kinds of flavor options to choose from.
Our Cambodian Medical Peacework Fundraiser was wonderfully successful! This year you could purchase an evening of beer for a contribution to to our medical project in Cambodia this year.
The special ceremony this year began with a gathering call to the steady slow beat of a drum that had been placed on the ofrenda for the evening's blessings. As is our tradition, the fire is then lit and we place our messages into the fire one by one so they will be transformed into the energy of the universe and the message from our hearts will be delivered. We then picked up a pair of sticks and began to make rhythmic sounds together; first, just one, then at the end a crescendo after everyone who had sent their messages with several hundred strong, sending the flow of people back to the dance floor to enjoy the evening of living life, celebrating and meeting new people.
As you enjoy the photos, take the time to look closely at the photos of the ofrenda, and the objects and how they all were placed. This is something that we built together thoughout the night as we remembered and brought to life those who have crossed the veil.
I cannot begin to describe in words what all this meant to me or to the others who attended, so like they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Be sure to look into the faces and the expressions of the guests and see the joy of life that was so prevalent in the air that warm and comfortable evening of sharing.
photo contribution also:
George Maestri, Rateroreporter, Mark/Aaron/Nick Murray, Olga Salgaldo
2008 participates:
McDonalds 24th street and osborn
Arizona Public Service
Home Depot 36th street and thomas
ace hardware 24th street and oak
wells fargo bank 44th street and thomas
Dulceria Pico Rico 16th Street just north of Oak
el norteno mexican food resturant roosevelt and 7th avenue
liquor wheel 3445 e mcdowell road
red devil pizza and italian foods 35th street and mcdowell road
kinkos fed-ex 43rd street and thomas
Special thanks to Panda Express
36th street and thomas road
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