Oct 24th Event: Book Selling & Signing
Join me in Washington, New Jersey on October 24th in their charming downtown to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
I’ll have a booth to sell my novels (Farrah Wethers mysteries, Misty Murder horror, and Bear Roots speculative fiction) and The Winchester-Nabu Detective Agency issue #1 comic book!
This night is Washington’s (07882) Dia de los Muertos celebration. There will be face painting, music, and vendors. All arranged by the Washington BID. (You can see their event for details).
Where: the focal point of the event is Veterans’ Park, 44 E. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882
When: October 24 (Thursday), 2024 from 5-8PM
Price: FREE to enjoy the downtown splendor and fun!
Good for all ages, but it is a school night!
Is This Cultural Appropriation?
First of all, I think Washington has been growing in diversity since my high school days when you could count the people of color on your fingers.
Here’s an excerpt 2021 from MexLocal.com:
But many Mexicans argue Day of the Dead makeup is not cultural because its origins aren’t grounded in indigenous tradition. The imagery was inspired by artist Jose Guadalupe Posada’s satirical depiction of a rich skeleton, printed in a newspaper in the early 20th century.
Artist Judith Bautista argues that celebrating deceased loved ones on Dia de los Muertos is ‘not about being exclusive.’ “This is a topic that can be relatable to anybody… Those who wish to partake just have to do so with respect and knowledge.”
Certainly, most Mexican we talked to agreed that it’s a cultural tradition to share. But as Mexican-American Beauty entrepreneur Regina Merson says, like many others, it’s a fine line between appreciation and appropriation when it comes to Day of the Dead makeup… and many easily cross it.
https://mexlocal.com/mexican-cultural-appropriation-day-of-the-dead-makeup/
A key take-away from that article is about how to participate in Dia de los Muertos respectfully. Regina Merson said, “But this is vastly different from Halloween and she says painting ‘sugar skull makeup’ with bloody or horror elements is ‘one of the most offensive things.'”
There you have it. Don’t mix up Day of the Day, Santa Muerta, and La Llorona.
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