This Weekend: Celebrate Day of the Dead with Frida & Our Giant Pumpkins!
Posted in Programs and Events on October 23 2015, by Vilina Phan
FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life goes out on a particularly high note in its closing weekends, with a bevy of exciting Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) activities! Live performances from Calpulli Danza Mexicana, Jarana Beat, and The Villalobos Brothers with Los Chinelos de Morelos dancers take over the Conservatory lawn and steps throughout the weekend. Giant skeletons, La Catrina puppets, and Los Zancudos de Zaachila stilt dancers will be roaming the Garden for all to enjoy. In addition see the Day of the Dead ofrenda, or altar, honoring Kahlo in the Conservatory, and Humberto Spíndola‘s The Two Fridas come alive (literally) in the Library Rotunda. You’ll also have fun with hands-on activities such as mask-making and face painting.
And because Halloween is right around the corner, we are pleased to welcome back master carver Ray Villafane, who will carve a giant pumpkin inspired by the Day of the Dead. Come watch, and enter for a chance to win a carving from the master himself.
Come to the Garden this weekend and celebrate a wonderful Mexican tradition with us!
Saturday, October 24
Giant Pumpkin Carving with Ray Villafane Weekend – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
In the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions
Watch Master Carver Ray Villafane transform giant pumpkins into a Día de los Muertos tableau. Enjoy daily Q&A sessions with his additional carvers and growers—11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, & 3 p.m.
About the Master Carver of the Giant Pumpkins: Ray Villafane is an American sculptor based in Arizona. Best known for his highly detailed pumpkin carvings, Villafane also sculpts sand and snow and creates action figures and collectibles. A regular competitor on the Food Network, he was a recent finalist on “Halloween Wars.”
Giant Pumpkin Display – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
In the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions
Giant pumpkins from North America once again arrive at the Garden, arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. See how you measure up against these giants, some weighing more than a ton!
Día De Los Muertos Weekend Celebration – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
FRIDA KAHLO concludes with a celebration of the Mexican tradition known for bringing together family and friends to remember loved ones, Día de los Muertos. Join in the festivities with a procession of larger-than-life skeletons, butterflies, and La Catrina—the grande dame of this colorful holiday—or stroll the Conservatory Plaza with the stilt dancers of Los Zancudos de Zaachila presented by Laura Anderson Barbata. Dress the part by creating your own mask to wear or having your face painted for the occasion!
Performances
Calpulli Danza Mexicana – 12, 2, & 4 p.m.
Conservatory Steps
Jarana Beat – 1 & 3 p.m.
Conservatory Lawn
Skeleton & La Catrina Puppets by Lucrecia Novoa and Mascaraviva – 12-4 p.m.
Throughout the Garden
Activities
Día de los Muertos Altar – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
On view in the Conservatory
¡Cámara, Acción! Mexican Film Series – 3 p.m.
Ross Hall
Saturday, Frida (R, 123 min.) The Academy Award-winning film Frida, directed by Julie Taymor and starring Salma Hayek. Please note that Frida is rated R. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Sunday, Güeros (102 min.) This “wry, visually audacious film” (Filmmaker Magazine) is set in 1999, when a year-long university strike both engaged and set adrift thousands of students in Mexico City. Left to their own devices, three students embark on a road trip in search of a Mexican folk rock hero.
Mask-Masking Workshop
Dodge Activity Center
Decorate your own traditional Mexican fiesta mask or make some Frida flair to wear in celebration of Día de los Muertos! Materials available while supplies last.
Face Painting – 1-4:30 p.m.
Perennial Garden
Whether you want to look spooky or sweet, join Face Art by Melissa to get your face painted in the spirit of Día de los Muertos!
Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert to learn about bird-friendly habitats, migrating species, and birds that make a permanent home at the Garden.
Ross Conifer Arboretum Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum is a historic, 15-acre collection of towering pines, elegant spruces, and mountain firs from around the world. These irreplaceable trees were among the first planted at the Garden, some as far back as the early 1900s. Join an expertly trained Guide for a tour of these exquisite specimens.
Fall Foliage Tour – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Fantastic fall foliage spreads out across our 250-acres in a sea of orange, crimson, and gold. From maples to oaks to beeches to unexpected surprises, you’ll see everything that’s glorious about fall. Come immerse yourself in all the spectacular colors of the season.
Sunday, October 25
Día De Los Muertos Weekends
See description and details above.
Giant Pumpkin Carving with Ray Villafane Weekend – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
In the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions
Watch Master Carver Ray Villafane transform giant pumpkins into a Día de los Muertos tableau. Enjoy daily Q&A sessions with his additional carvers and growers—11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, & 3 p.m.
About the Master Carver of the Giant Pumpkins: Ray Villafane is an American sculptor based in Arizona. Best known for his highly detailed pumpkin carvings, Villafane also sculpts sand and snow and creates action figures and collectibles. A regular competitor on the Food Network, he was a recent finalist on “Halloween Wars.”
Giant Pumpkin Display – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
In the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions
Giant pumpkins from North America once again arrive at the Garden, arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. See how you measure up against these giants, some weighing more than a ton!
Fall Garden Highlights Tour – 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Experience the Garden’s renowned landscapes, collections and architecture on this walking tour while enjoying the colorful transition of fall throughout NYBG.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Mario Batali’s Kitchen Gardens — 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Garden beds are filled with plants featured in the favorite recipes of the chefs from Mario Batali’s restaurants. Kids can explore the gardens to solve Mario’s Menu Mystery game.
Dig! Plant! Grow! Salad Days – 1:30-6 p.m.
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Plants and imaginations grow at the Howell Family Garden, where kids are allowed!—no, encouraged!—to play in the dirt. Display gardens, such as the Global Gardens and the Bean Tunnel or Salad Bowl, and daily interactive gardening activities delight and inspire. Drop-in activities end at 5:30 p.m.
Cooking with Frida – 2 & 4 p.m.
A part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Hands-on activities in the Edible Academy’s Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden bring together children and their families to experience the colors, textures, smells, and tastes of Frida Kahlo’s Mexican kitchen. Cooking demonstrations feature recipes inspired by those Frida served to family and friends, using nutritious, garden-based ingredients. Visitors can explore and tend to the plant staples of Mexican cuisine growing throughout the Family Garden: beans, tomatoes, peppers, chiles, herbs, and more!
Frida’s Flora and Fauna – 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
A part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Experience the inspiration Frida Kahlo found in the natural world that can be seen and appreciated in her artwork. Throughout the Adventure Garden investigate plants and animals growing and living in New York City, using your senses as well as scientific tools to discover your own creative muse.
