Skeletons on parade - cultural events in the Rocky Mountain States - Brief Article

Sunset, Nov, 2001 by Caroline Patterson

Across the Rockies, the Day of the Dead offers spirited fun

* In Mexico, the traditional observance of El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) happens from October 31 to November 2-grave sites bloom with marigolds, skeletons wander the streets, and homes feature altars with photographs, candles, and food. In the Rockies, the Day of the Dead is pretty lively, too, with pageantry dance, music, and exhibits. It may begin early (in late October) and run for days.

One of the biggest celebrations is in Montana at Missoula's Annual Festival of the Dead. Activities are anything but deadly ranging from mask-building workshops to art exhibits and poetry readings. The highlight is the merry, macabre Day of the Dead parade through downtown Missoula on November 2. To the beat of a marimba band, skeletons move by on bicycles, on stilts, and in mini-cars. Decorated altars and grim reapers made of toilet-paper rolls all make their way south on Higgins Avenue.

Other festival events, from October 27 to November 3, include a sugar skull-making workshop at the Jeanette Rankin Peace Resource Center (519 S. Higgins) and a poetry reading at the Raven Cafe (130 E. Broadway). Altar-making workshops and performance art will take place at the Art Museum of Missoula (335 N. Pattee St.). For more information, call (406) 721-3806.

COLORADO. November 2-10. At the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council in Denver, Day of the Dead fun includes stories, artwork, and altars. 772 Santa Fe Dr.; (303) 571-0440. November 2-4, 9-11, 16-18. Denver's Pirate gallery has altars, pinatas and dancing. 3659 Navajo St.; (303) 458-6058.

IDAHO. October 28-November 4. The Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho features exhibits at Albertson College in Caldwell. (208) 442-0823. October 31-November 2. At Boise State University's Student Union, altars are on display in the Fireside Lounge. 1700 University Dr.; (208) 426-3038.

WYOMING. November 1-10. In Jackson, altars by kids and artists are shown in shops, galleries, and the Teton County Library. 125 Virginian Lane. November 2. The Art Association sponsors a free altar walk. 260 W Pearl Ave., Jackson; (307) 733-6379.