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Otherwise known as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Day of the Dead (or Diá de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday occurring on Nov. 1 and 2 in which people celebrate loved ones who have passed away, typically gathering with family and friends to pray and many times to build private shrines or altars.

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While different than our American holiday Halloween, Day of the Dead falls around the same time, making it an appropriate time to celebrate both holidays. La Pilita Museum is beginning its celebration of the Day of the Dead tonight with a special exhibit honoring the lives of those who have passed away.

La Pilita Museum, located in the heart of Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo (just south of the Tucson Community Center) will be covered in marigold flowers, sugar skulls and Monarch butterflies in preparation for the arrival of the souls. The local schoolchildren have created the unique community altar that commemorates the lives of loved ones. The kids also have designed special memorial cases to display hand-written mementos and memories of the deceased. The Day of the Dead Exhibit runs from Oct.19 to Nov. 6 and will be available for the public to view from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday.

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About La Pilita: La Pilita Museum aims to educate the public about southwest and Tucson history. It strives to create a greater understanding of life in early Tucson. The museum itself is a living collection of photos and oral history of the Barrio Viejo and El Hoyo.

The local elementary students are highly involved with the Museum and its many programs. They give tours and assist with creating a variety of exhibits throughout the year. If you have not yet visited the quaint and educational La Pilita, something you should definitely put on your to-do list is to attend a student docent-led museum tour. As a part of their service learning activities, La Pilita trains groups of students in the history of the museum and the area, and the student docents then lead visitors on walking tours of El Tiradito, this history of the mural and the story of El Ojito. Tours are available by appointment. In addition to the student-led tours, self-guided tours, school tours and walking tours of Barrio Viejo are also available.

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The “Tiendita” gift shop sells a variety of unique Mexican-American decorations and gifts. From tile crosses to hand-painted river rocks, the “Tiendita” is a great way to add some southwest fun to your home.

Looking for more La Pilita events and exhibit to mark on your calendar? The museum will also be hosting a Saturday Sidewalk Sale on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as an exhibit on The Art of Carmen Leyva-Watson from Nov. 10 through Nov. 21. For more information or La Pilita or any of the upcoming events, call 520.882.7454 or visit www.lapilita.com.