Ogden Day of the Dead celebration returning to Ben Lomond High this weekend
Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner
People gather in front of an ofrenda at the Día de los Muertos celebration at Ben Lomond High School on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Ofrendas are offerings to loved ones who have passed away and they feature things the departed liked in life.OGDEN — A growing fall tradition is set to return late this week.
Dia de los Muertos en Ogden — which is presented by the Ogden Friends of Acoustic Music, abbreviated OFOAM — is set for Friday and Saturday at Ben Lomond High School.
OFOAM Executive Director Michelle Tanner told the Standard-Examiner this year’s theme is “Noche de Almas” — “Night of Souls.”
“The Day of the Dead, or also known as Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration,” she said.
Friday’s festivities, set for 7-9 p.m., will feature a concert by Grupo Bella. The concert is $15 but free for patrons under 16 years old or Ogden School District families.
Saturday will be the main celebration of Dia de los Muertos from 1-7 p.m. The afternoon will feature Ogden School District performances, a student art show, a mercadito or market, ofrendas or memorial altars, a car show, food, vendors, dancers and Mariachi Aguilas de la Esperanza. Entry this day is free.
Both days of the event will be held at Ben Lomond High School.
Tanner said it’s been exciting to see the event grow over the last three years.
“Ogden’s population is over 30% Hispanic,” she said. “For kids to be able to see artists that look like them performing on stage can be very inspiring. … We do this to help children learn about their culture and become more involved in arts in the community.”
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