Los Novios (The Lovers), 2017
Chicano Folk Art
San Antonio, TX
acrylic on canvas
10" high x 8" wide
Dia de Los Muertos, which coincides with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day is a Mexican holiday now observed throughout the world. The celebration centers upon remembering friends and family members who have passed away, allowing the dead to live on through the memories of the living.
On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are supposed to awakened from their eternal rest to share remembrance with their loved ones between October 31st through November 2nd. Most believe the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31st, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) reunite with their families for the day. On November 2nd, adult spirits return to enjoy the festivities.
Homes, cemeteries, and public spaces await spiritual visitation. Traditions include gravesite decoration with gifts, flowers and possessions, construction of sculptures, paintings, and private or public altars honoring the deceased with marigolds, sugar skulls, notes, photos and favorite foods of the departed.
The most recognizable symbols of Day of the Dead art are the Calaveras (Skulls) and Calacas (Skeletons). In this depiction the Calaca couple have reunited, and are now sweetly posed for a portrait. This wonderful painting was originally purchased in 2017 at the Day of the Dead Festival in San Antonio, TX.
