Make an Ofrenda for Grandma

Día de los Muertos, or Mexican Halloween, shares very little with its Anglo counterpart. A celebration of ancestry, Day of the Dead, which takes place every November 1, is more about remembrance of loved ones past and respecting familial origins than demanding candy and/or acting out bratty senses of entitlement when said candy is not given. Rooted in Catholic guilt and Aztec traditions, one of the more important aspects of the celebration is the making of ofrendas, or offerings, to the dead. They range in size and glamour but generally share the umbrella feeling of an artistic installation and altar with different objects conveying particular sentiments. These objects can take the guise of embroideries, alcoholic beverages, or symbolic everyday items of significance to the relative. The best thing about Day of the Dead as that it is not scary at all; it is a healthy and involved way for children to understand and empathize with death and the mortal caveat of humanity. With that in mind, the Bakehouse Art Complex (561 NW 32 Ave., Miami) will host a family-friendly ofrenda-making workshop. Adriana Sandoval, a scholar of these Mexican traditions, will assist through her informative know-how of these customs while participants design their altars. It’s high time you finally do something nice for Nana even though she’s been gone for more than a decade, and with a $10 suggested donation (free for BAC members), you’ll be able to stop some huffing and puffing from beyond the grave from 3 to 4 p.m. this Sunday. Call 305-576-2828 or visit bacfl.org.
Sun., Oct. 5, 3-4 p.m., 2014