By CINDY GONZALEZ
Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — Visitors to the State Capitol through Nov. 4 will see sugar skulls, candles, butterflies and a traditional “altar de ofrendas” in celebration of the annual el dia de Los Muertos.
The Mexican Cultural Center of the Heartland, based in Omaha and dedicated to preserving and promoting Mexican culture, prepared the first-floor exhibit on behalf of the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans.
El dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 and marks the annual returning of spirits that spend time with relatives. Families and loved ones traditionally build welcome altars decorated with offerings that include photos of the deceased, food and other favorite reminders of the friends and family members.
This year’s Capitol exhibit honored Mexican writer Juan Rulfo because of his worldwide reputation and literary work that’s closely related to the world of the dead, the commission said.
Photographs also pay tribute to people linked to the commission, including former director Cecilia Olivarez and former information officer Victoria Morehead, as well as members of the Legislature.
The exhibit on Nov. 5-6 will move to the Bellevue Berry Farm, 1101 S. 48th St., for a weekend event that will also include live music, traditional Mexican food and other entertainment.
