The First Annual Day of the Dead Celebration at Grayce’s Gift and Candle Shop came alive Saturday, November 2, All Souls’ Day, with lots of fascinated children, Velvet Elvis pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, Wanda’s cookies, train rides, Chameleon face painting, museum tours, movies, a jumping castle, music, sugar skull decorating and mask making.
Families, as well as a Tucson Bajas Frontier Tours group and curious passers-by celebrated the blue-sky day and life on All Souls’ Day, creatively represented in La Galeria de los Muertos. The one-room museum behind Grayce’s is recognized by the Smithsonian Institute as the first of its kind in North America.
Acquired over the years by Grayce’s son, John Arnold, the Day of the Dead collection perpetuates the thousands-year-old tradition throughout Latin America of gathering to remember passed loved ones with altars, favorite food and drink, sugar skulls, flowers, gifts and parades.
Grayce Arnold, who occupied the old miner’s house for 37 years and passed away eight years ago, was also celebrated on this festive day, along with her recently deceased daughter, Elaine.
“They both would have loved this day,” John said from behind his skull face. “Growing up in Mexico, we learned that this is a healthy way of balancing life with death, mourning their loss but also celebrating what they brought to our lives, together once a year, creatively and joyfully, to keep them alive in our hearts and minds.”
Tours of La Galeria de los Muertos may be arranged by calling 520-732-0598. Grayce’s is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and for some holidays and special local events.