A lively couple of days

Tillamook’s Fairview Grange will again play host to a celebration of Hispanic and Latino art and culture centered around Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Presented by the Oregon Coast Children’s Theatre and Oregon Coast children’s Center for the Arts, this second annual celebration will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 1 and 2.

Often misunderstood as the Mexican equivalent of Halloween, Día de los Muertos is in fact quite different. It is about remembering lost loved ones and celebrating their lives and the contributions they have made to their families and to their communities. 

The celebration will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 1, with a Family Day from noon to 6 pm. Families in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties are invited to come along and set up ofrendas — traditional displays featuring photographs of lost loved ones along with mementos and ceremonial foods.

On Thursday, Nov. 2, all are invited for a traditional meal prepared by Taqueria Mendez from 6 to 7 pm, followed from 7 to 8:30 pm by kids’ activities, costumed characters, face painting, a piñata, and art and educational exhibits.

Thanks to support from foundation partners and sponsors including the Tillamook High School Charity Drive, these events are free and open to everyone in the community. Donations are appreciated.

All events take place at the Fairview Grange, located at Fairview Road and 3rd Street, Tillamook. For details, contact Larry Adrian at 503-801-0603.