It is tradition when someone dies that the mood is a somber one. All color is removed, people talk in whispers, and tears are shed. It is the opposite of a party. The Aztecs would beg to differ. They adopted a different way to look at death. Modern day Mexico continues the tradition with the Day of the Dead festival. It is a time to collectively remember those who are no longer with us. It is a colorful holiday full of sugary sweets and skeletons. These skeletons or calacas are used for decoration to illustrate how the deceased are enjoying the afterlife. They are typically shown wearing festive clothing, dancing, and playing musical instruments because their “life” now is one continuous party.

The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft invites you to a Day of the Dead workshop to make your own calaca. This workshop is open to adults and teens of all skill levels, but pre-registration is required.

The workshop is Saturday, Oct. 22^nd from 1-4 p.m. $38 for KMAC members / $43 for non-members. Call (502) 589-0102 to register.

photo: courtesy of craftster.org