The annual Day of the Dead ceremony at Crystal Castle due to take place this coming Sunday has been postponed to November 26 owing to wet weather.
Gates open with free entry at 3.30pm. There will be art from 4 till 5pm followed by an inclusive Ceremony of Love & Remembrance accompanied by the Biggest Little Town Choir conducted by deathwalker and celebrant Zenith Virago.
The Day of the Dead Mullumbimby style started eleven years ago as a way to remember and honour those loved ones who have died.
Started by the the Natural Death Care Centre, it is a non-religious, culture-free ceremony that first took place in Heritage Park, Mullumbimby.
Zenith explains, ‘We offer this event each year, to bring death, dying and loss back into our own hands and hearts. As individuals and as community we are all touched by loss, and we see the need for people to honour and remember those they have loved who have died, without the shock or the rawness of the funeral. We offer this day towards healing and acceptance. Death is the natural and sacred end of our lives. Those we love are always a part of our lives as they continue to live on in our hearts.’
Although it bears the same name as the South American celebration, this is an Australian cultural experience that is open to all and similar ceremonies are are now taking place around the country.
Everyone is encouraged to bring photographs or a special something for the shrine. Local community artist Sam Collyer will be there to inspire and guide you to create organic and sustainable mementos.
For more information go to: www.naturaldeathcarecentre.org or join the event on Facebook.