Cahaba Brewery comes alive with Día de los Muertos festivities
The annual holiday Día de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) has a rich history in Mexican culture as well as a rich history in Birmingham.
The tradition to throw a city-wide Día de los Muertos event began after the death of renowned local photojournalist Spider Martin. To honor Martin, his daughter Tracy created a memorial and held a gathering at the Bare Hands Gallery on Nov. 2, 2003, with less than 100 people in attendance. Now, on its 14th year and first year at Cahaba Brewing, the event runs on the man-power of more than 150 volunteers.
"It's really a tradition, but we just call it a festival here in Birmingham," said Robert Hernandez, executive director of Bare Hands, Inc. Through the event, the community is welcomed to come together and celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, whether they were family, friends, neighbors or acquaintances.
"Death affects everybody, it's a common ground," said Hernandez. "Death has no race or color, it has nothing."
Many close relatives or friends created altars with photos, trinkets and foods that served as memories to the deceased. While many of the creators of the altars don't consider themselves artists, Hernandez said it is all considered folk art.
Professional artists were also at the event, filling the mercado with traditional Día de los Muertos headpieces, local artworks and masks. A highlight of the visiting artists was the face painting which transformed guests into the sugar skulls that is associated with the holiday.
"When everyone is dressed in skulls and bones, it's like we are here with all of our friends and family who have passed away," said Hernandez. "Men, women, children, all races, it's just beautiful."
With the ticket sales from hundreds of visitors, Bare Hands, Inc. will contribute a major part of the proceeds to support the Bare Hands Art Club at the downtown YWCA of Central Alabama.
"My heart is content knowing that we are doing this for the community and that Cahaba is a part of it," said Hernandez.