October 19, 2022
For the first time in Westport, on November 5th, there will be a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in our own Westport Cemetery from 4:30-6pm with a movie following at the Community Center around 6:30pm.
This in remembrance of friends or family who have passed away. It is traditionally a two-day or more event-usually set up on October 31st, then celebrated on November 1-2. It is believed that on the 1st of November the little babies and angels visit their loved ones on earth from Heaven and on the second is when the adults who have passed visit earth. It is an Aztec celebration that started in the 1,500’s and is still celebrated and beloved today in Mexico and in parts of the United States as well.
We chose to celebrate on November 5th as in some areas of Mexico it is celebrated for the entire month, and we know Halloween is a big time in Westport and wanted to give ample Halloween recovery time.
It is the first time ever that this event has happened in Westport!
Please bring dishes that were loved by loved ones who have passed away or contributions to the appetizer-potluck at the Cemetery, and bring objects that have significance with our loved ones who have passed away.
Please bring a photograph of a passed away loved one if possible so we can create a Day of the Dead altar on a table that day.We will also be cleaning and beautifying the cemetery. A committee is in place to keep it tidy after the celebration.
We will have piñatas, music and face-painting and Day of the Dead bread and hot chocolate will be provided after at the Community Center.
Sean Hawthorn will be playing Spanish style guitar during the celebration. Day of the dead costumes are encouraged-such as loosely Victorian Wear, colorful hats, top hats and skeleton outfits.
Please bring flowers to put on the graves, we will be providing some flowers and glass jars and water.
Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund will provide flash lights to all the family. We encourage people to bring LED candles, solar lights or battery operated lanterns if possible, and a fire person will be present with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
We will be showing the Disney Movie “Coco” at the community center afterwards. We will be serving Pan de Muerto and Hot Chocolate at the Westport Community Center.
This is a free family, multi-cultural event and we hope to see you all there.
If you have any questions or would like to help out in any way, please contact Erin Brazill, ebrazill@fbusd.us, or Juliana Sanchez at Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund at community@mccf.info, 707-962-8111.
