By Jim Gustafson

  • A custom dress crafted for daughter by Tessa Rotoli of Carson City.
    A custom dress crafted for daughter by Tessa Rotoli of Carson City.
  • A girl puts the finishing touches on her paper doll.
    A girl puts the finishing touches on her paper doll.
  • A boy crafting a sugar skull
    A boy crafting a sugar skull
  • An Ofrenda, or
    An Ofrenda, or “offering” remembering the victims of the Las Vegas terror attack.

The Nevada State Museum and WNC Latino Cohort presented a Day of The Dead celebration on Saturday in Carson City. Admission was free at the The Nevada State Museum, made possible by support of the Carson City Culture and Tourism Authority, Western Nevada Materials, and the Nevada Mining Association.

The community enjoyed many activities such as an Aztec dance presentation, a bilingual story time, and the Ofrenda award presentation judged by Vice Mayor Karen Abowd, David Rodrigues of Radio Lazer, and Fidelina Suarez of Lady Tamales restaurant.

Families also enjoyed guided arts and crafts where children were taught by WNC students representing the Latino Cohort. The room was buzzing as children worked away on sugar skulls, folk art figures, paper dolls, and face painting. “It’s nice to see the interaction of the kids and share our culture,” said Anakaren Gonzalez, WNC student and Latino Cohort member.

The event wrapped up with a short lecture titled “Day of The Dead: A Celebration of Life,” and the International Folkloric Ballet performing traditional Mexican dances.