25.4 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Day of the Dead comes to life at Crystal Castle

Latest News

Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

There is something profound about being seen. Being accepted and loved for exactly who you are. It’s life changing. It’s simple. It’s transformative. But some people don’t get to experience this. Nearly half of transgender Australians have attempted suicide.That data tells the very real impact of discrimination, stigma and lack of access to gender-affirming surgery. I write this as a woman who was born a woman, who identifies as a woman. I’ll admit, that even in that gender role, that fits within the societal binary, I’ve had my own challenges.

Roller derby rocks the Cavanbah Centre

The Red Kennedys have once again dominated the Northern Rivers Revolt Roller Derby Tournament held at the Cavanbah Centre over the weekend of March 16-17.

A seasoned bard

Guy Kachel had an idyllic entry to the world of music. Born in Tamworth, he was raised on the banks of the Peel River. The landscape was a fertile ground for his imagination. Seeing this rustic world change, as Tamworth developed into an inland city and friends grew to sometimes troubled adulthoods, provided insights for the artistry that later powered his career as a performer.

Mullum pods

They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...

Records galore!

Byron Bay Easter Record Fair returns again to Ewingsdale Hall. Now in its 15th year, the Byron Bay Easter Record Fair is one of the biggest and best in this country. Matt the Vinyl Junkie has spent years on buying trips to the US and Japan scouring dusty warehouses, shops, flea markets and private collections. He can offer an astounding 30,000 records in one place covering most genres.

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.

Deathwalker Zenith Virago, from the Natural Death Centre, convened the 2014 Day of the Dead event at Crystal Castle on Saturday (November 9). Photo Jeff Dawson
Deathwalker Zenith Virago, from the Natural Death Centre, convened the 2014 Day of the Dead event at Crystal Castle on Saturday (November 9). Photo Jeff Dawson

On Sunday (November 9) people from across the northern rivers made a pilgrimage to Crystal Castle to remember family members or friends who have died in a way that goes beyond the usual religious blandishments.

Local artist Sam Collyer was on hand to inspire, guide and help people create a momento mori to their loved ones. People also brought photographs or a special something to place on an altar for their loved ones.

A ‘gentle and inclusive’ ceremony of remembrance led by deathwalker Zenith Virago followed, with music from the Mullumbimby Choir.

At the end of the ceremony there was a candlelight procession through the Forest of Friends & Family at the Quandong Grove in the rainforest walk, which will become a permanent space for honouring the dead.

‘We offer this event as part of a social change to bring death, dying and loss back into our own hands and hearts,’ said Zenith, from the Natural Death Care Centre. ‘The NDCC has always had as one of its aims to demystify death and empower the community to reclaim it.’

Day of the Dead is an annual event, which this year was followed by Death Café at the Empire Café in Mullumbimby on Tuesday (November 11). Death Cafe is part of a global movement that brings people together for lively conversations about death. Its aim is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives. 


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

3 COMMENTS

  1. I wonder how much entrance fee [the] castle charged for all that mumbo jumbo? In my opinion the Crystal Castle … provides very little value for … their entrance fees.

  2. There was no entrance fee for participants.
    “All that mumbo jumbo”? Is it necessary to put down other people’s experiences? Sounds like “Bah humbug” to me.

  3. Extraordinary cynicism from arco iris who clearly has not been touched by that kind of experience. Yet.

    What you consider “mumbo jumbo’ has great meaning to others who are grieving for lost loved ones. Show a little respect.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.