Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos at Avenue 50 Studio

Highland Park's ghouls and goblins had their night out on Halloween; now it's time for the dead to have their day(s).

Dia de los Meurtos is actually held on two days in connection with the Catholic Holiday's of All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2). Like Christmas, historians suggest that Dia de los Muertos was originally an indigenous holiday that was eventually melded with Western religions as European settlers spread their cultural influence.

Much like the pagan holiday of Halloween, Dia de los Muertos celebrants honor the dead by dressing in costumes and sharing sugary and sweet treats. Instead of pre-packaged candy bars, though, chocolate and sugar skulls are the order of the day.

The holiday got its start in Mexico, but has spread around the world. It's currently celebrated in many communities with a large population of Mexican families, like here in Highland Park.

Locals who want to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with art can do so at , where El Cementerio by artist Raoul De la Sota will be showing until Sunday, Nov. 6.

De la Sota's work depicts a cemetery lit by a Day of the Dead Celebration, as seen through the eyes of an ant.

Avenue 50 Studio describes the piece:

El Cementerio by artist Raoul De la Sota was started many years ago, and just recently completed.  What we see is a night time cemetery scene lit by candles during a day of the dead celebration.  We are looking at the cemetery with an “ant’s” perspective — from the ground through to the evening sky.  The full moon reflects itself on the objects below as if the spirits have descended and are present.  There is a reverential feeling here, but also one of celebration.  The shape of the canvas reinforces the belief that life revolves in a cyclical manner; life feeds death, and death lays the groundwork for life – all are players in a circle game.

Avenue 50 Studio is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday and Sunday.