Institute of Texan Cultures "Ofrenda" honors victims of terrorism
(Oct. 19, 2001)--A cherished tradition of the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) will honor Sept. 11 attack victims this year. "Ofrenda del Dia de los Muertos" (Offering of Day of the Dead) will be on display Oct. 21-Nov. 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Admission to the altar display is $5 for adults, $2 for children (age 3-12), $3 for seniors (age 65 and over) and $3 for military personnel, active or retired, with identification.
While some people celebrate Halloween with costumes and candy, traditions in some parts of Mexico and in some Mexican-American communities call for family reunions--with the dead. Among these families, the dead are considered supernatural guardians.
Every year, beginning on Halloween and ending on the Day of the Dead (All Soul's Day, Nov. 2), specific rites are observed faithfully. These rites occur in the home and in the cemetery amid bouquets of flowers, banquets of breads and ghostly figurines that resemble skull heads. Not only is it believed that the dead visit this time of year, but they also enjoy their favorite food and drink, lavishly laid out on altars and shrines by their family members and loved ones.
ITC, one of the three campuses of UTSA, is an educational center concerned with the history and diverse cultures of Texas. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Institute is located at Bowie and Durango Streets in downtown San Antonio. For more information call (210) 458-2300. Visit the Institute of Texan Cultures Web site.
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TODAY'S HEADLINES:
UTSA
Order of the Roadrunner Award goes to Cynthia Orth
UTSA
presents classic "comfort food" American play
Institute of Texan Cultures "Ofrenda" honors victims of terrorism
Tuberculosis
information sessions and testing scheduled at UTSA
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