The dead speak: ‘Ofrenda’s 2020’ exhibit

Share: A black and white photo of Skylar Herbert clipped to a marigold hangs from a woody vine. Her ear to ear smile shows a little girl full of happiness.  “The Roots of Our Resistance,” a piece by Consuelo Flores, displays, according to Flores, photos of those most impacted by COVID-19; the Latino and the black community. At the forefront of her piece is the photo of Skylar Herbert. Skylar was five years old when she contracted COVID-19 from her parents. Her mother, LaVondria Herbert, …

Dia de Los Muertos: Even the dead are going virtual

Share: Día de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), an annual Mesoamerican holiday that celebrates the dead instead of mourning them, is being added to the list of events and holidays that are going virtual this year because of COVID-19. Although, there will be limited in-person events around LA County to help celebrate the holiday.  The holiday takes place every year Nov. 1 and 2 and is normally celebrated with parades, communal feasts and festivals. The tradition originated in Aztec culture and is celebrated …

Lancer Radio channels spirits of the dearly departed

Share: A colorful and wonderfully decorated Dia de los Muertos altar at the front of the room presented itself as a stage for the dearly departed and celebrities like the beloved Selena Quintanilla. Candles, ornamented skulls and bright flowers adorned the altar. Disney’s “Coco” was projected on two screens while traditional Mexican music filled the room. Tamales, conchas and hot chocolate made the perfect trio for playing Loteria with fellow peers.  Follow:

An appreciation of Latino culture through art

Share: When you think of Los Angeles a lot comes into mind. From the glitz and the glamour of Hollywood, to the beaches of Santa Monica and to the people that make Los Angeles such an incredible place. The Latino culture of LA has had an incredible impact in the community with their music and art. Over the weekend, LA had an opportunity to appreciate the work and culture of Latino artists in the community.   Follow:

‘Coco’ brings real Mexican culture to the big screen

Share: Pixar’s 19th feature animated film “Coco” hit cinemas late October in Mexico and audience reactions were outstandingly positive. It quickly became the #1 film in the country because of its beautiful representation of Mexican heritage, and it was very much needed specially during the current political climate in which President Donald Trump targets Mexicans as being rapists and drug dealers. Now that it has debuted in the United States this past Wednesday, I could understand why this Disney Pixar masterpiece, directed by Lee Unkrich …

Día del los Muertos honors many in the Playhouse District

Share: Bright golden marigolds lined the sidewalks, stairways, art displays. Children gazed longingly at cupcakes, sugar skulls, and a giant skull cake that centered around the vast array of ornate and creative family altars and artwork displayed in the courtyard. And hundreds of families gathered to celebrate, remember and honor their loved ones gone at the Día de los Muertos arts festival at the Zona Rosa Caffe and Pasadena Playhouse Plaza. The event featured children’s calaca face painting, papier-mâché skulls, flowers and mask art made at …