Annual festival seeks participants for ‘Day of the Dead’ inspired competitions

Organizers of Clark County's Life in Death Festival are seeking contestants to participate in the Ofrendas and Calaveras competitions. Cash prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third place winners.

This annual festival, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2 at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, celebrates El Dia de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead," in Mexican culture.

Traditionally, ofrendas, or "offerings," consist of altars erected by friends and family to honor those who have died. For the Life in Death Festival, organizations, businesses and families are encouraged to create an ofrenda reflecting their group or culture.

The altars, which are not to exceed 16 feet high or 16 feet wide, will be located in the park and can be decorated with food, drinks and items, except weapons, cherished by the deceased.

During the festival, a group representative must be present at the altar to answer questions and safeguard the ofrenda. Space reservations end Oct. 15. The winners will be awarded $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $100 for third place.

Amateur and professional writers and satirists are encouraged to participate in the calaveras, or "skulls," verse-writing competition. The witty epitaphs written for living friends, family members and celebrities are created and delivered with humor.

The calaveras must be a minimum of four lines and a maximum of 40 lines in either English or Spanish. Deadline for calaveras entries is Oct. 12. Winners will receive $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place.

The writer's name and address should be included with the verses and mailed to the Winchester Cultural Center at 3130 S. McLeod Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89121.

The festival also will offer indoor and outdoor performances, workshops in crafting a sugar skull, a craft area for children and an art exhibit. The free event has minimal charges for some attractions.

For more information, call Irma Wynants at 455-7029.