Written by Adaire Hahn | 01 October 2009

of El Dia de Los Muertos

Oct 31, Nov 1 & Nov 2

While Americans gear up for Halloween with coma-inducing sugar confections, Pagans celebrate Samhain with Apples and spiced wine, Mexicans will be celebrating “Day of the Dead” or El Dia de Los Muertos, October 31 through November 2 with “Calaveras”, or sugar skulls.  Somewhere along the line, we learned the Dead like to be enticed with sweetness, to remind them of what they are missing on the other side.

In honor of this folkloric festival, Bali Isle will host a 3-day Mexican sugar skulls workshop. Created to honor loved ones, the 3-day workshop will be led by Susana Harris who discovered calaveras on Olvera Street in old Los Angeles. Materials will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring personal trinkets and treasures from loved ones that have passed. This workshop is geared for teens through adults as a way to connect and celebrate their loved ones lives in a Mexican Indigenous folkloric fashion. Workshop hours are noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1 and at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. Requested donation $5 per class.
Before Spain and Catholicism, the indigenous people of Mexico viewed death not as an end to be mourned, but as another opening and awakening to the real celestial party going on! The Day of the Dead actually lasted over a month, and was celebrated with Calveras de Azucar (or Sugar Skulls) “sempasuchil” or seasonal flowers for the grave, and all the foods, drinks, and trinkets the dead treasured in life. When the Spanish Conquistadors came they attempted, in vain, to drive these pagan practices underground; eventually they Christianized the holiday and moved the celebration to match with All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 2nd.
Today, the celebration reaches across borders and can be celebrated by everyone. African Americans incorporated dance into the celebration, while Mexican Americans brought graveyard parties with birthday cakes and balloons. The opportunity to turn passive grieving into active joy for those that have transcended this world is offered during a time when many ancient cultures believe the veils are the thinnest between worlds and direct communication is at its peak.
Susana Harris, a 44-year-old creative breath of fantastical celebration, is the inspiration behind bringing the Sugar Skull class to San Luis Obispo. Born in L.A., Harris moved to Mexico at age 15 where she attended the Art Institute of San Luis Potosi’, Mexico.
In L.A., on Olvera Street, Harris found the folkloric Sugar Skulls and soon incorporated these as another avenue of her creativity. In addition to creating these works of art, Harris owns her own custom soap making company and works with multiple mediums for her art.
For class information call Bali Isle 544