SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE:
Discussion by Marcos Picos of UNR Latino Research Center
Oct. 28 at Nevada Historical Society
Dios de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, an annual holiday celebrated around the world in connection with the traditions of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, is the topic of a documentary being screened Wednesday, October 28 at noon at the Nevada Historical Society. This half-hour video, “Day of the Dead,” highlights the 2008 Dios de los Muertos activities at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. The video features private altars known as ofrendas, honoring the deceased with memorabilia, sugar skulls, flowers and food offerings.
“Day of the Dead” Documentary Screening
Wednesday, October 28 – Noon
Nevada Historical Society
1650 North Virginia Street, Reno (on the UNR Campus)
(775) 688-1190 – www.NevadaCulture.org
With Leticia Servin as a personal guide throughout the documentary, viewers meet the Latino Club of Western Nevada Community College as well as children making decorations with candy and paper flowers. The holiday appeals to people of all cultures, as evidenced by State Museum Curator of Education Deborah Stevenson, who shows the ofrenda she created for her father. The video was produced in 2008 by Gwendolyn Clancy for The Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs.
Following the screening, Marcos Picos of the UNR Latino Research Center will lead a discussion about the annual celebration. Originally from Michoacán, México, Picos attended Sparks High School, and is now pursuing graduate studies in Spanish literature at the University of Nevada, Reno. He holds a Research Assistantship at the UNR Latino Research Center under the direction of Dr. Emma Sepúlveda. The Center serves as a focal point for research, advocacy, educational efforts and outreach.
This screening is part of the monthly High Noon series at the Nevada Historical Society, located at 1650 North Virginia Street on the UNR campus. Parking is free and plentiful (UNR honors day permits obtained inside historical society).
The Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs serves Nevada’s citizens and visitors through cultural and information management, presentation and promotion of cultural resources, and education. The Department also includes the State Office of Historic Preservation, Nevada State Library and Archives, and the Nevada Arts Council. For more information, visit the department’s website at www.NevadaCulture.org.
