Photos by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ ©2017
From AmigosNAZ staff reports
FLAGSTAFF — A record number of families lined up to take part in a sugar skull workshop before heading to attend dance, musical performances and cultural lectures during the opening day for the public of 2017 Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017.
The sugar skull workshop was presented by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, which is a partner in the 14th annual celebration at the museum.
The all-women musical group Chollas Peligrosas performed for the first time at the event in the Jaime Major Golightly Historic Courtyard.
The ever popular Mariachi Sol Azteca from Tucson returned to Celebraciones this year, providing its mix of mariachi education and performance on Saturday, with members also performing that evening in the Jaime Major Golightly Historic Courtyard for the event’s second annual evening viewing of the altars for the general public.
More than 250 guests attended the evening event, more than doubling the attendance in 2016.
Local favorite Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff also performed on Saturday, returning Sunday.
A variety of Heritage Insights Lectures were also presented Saturday, including the presentation on Saturday on “Mexican Cockfighting — Culture & Masculinity” by Dr. Jerry Garcia of NAU; on “Saving Our Stories” by Dr. T. Mark Montoya of NAU and “Day of the Dead Decoded: Ofrendas 101” presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces members Lydia Anaya and Becca Ceballos-DeLap.
The public also had an opportunity to purchase jewelry, folk art, pottery and other items from more than a half-dozen artists, several from New Mexico, as well as a variety of Mexican food, Mexican hot chocolate and pan dulce during the day and during the evening program from Archuleta Catering.