Hallowalimuertos, Day 2: Turns Out We are also Celebrating Carey Day

Posted on by ccross

Hallowalimuertos, it turns out, is the gift that keeps on giving. For it turns that today, November 1, Cary, NC–the official founding site of Hallowalimuertoes–is not only celebrating All Saints Day and the start of Diwali (there is a large population of Asian Indians in Cary and its adjoining town, Morrisville), but also “Carey Day.” That is to say, the town is kicking off its end-of-the-year holiday season by adding an “e” to its name FOR ONE DAY ONLY in honor of the pop princess of Christmas, Mariah Carey.

Rather than writing it up myself, I’m attaching the official press release from the Town of Cary about this event. But I believe it brings even more light to our celebration of Hallowalimuertos!

TOWN OF CARY NEWS RELEASE © Town of Cary. 2024 All Rights Reserved.
CARY, NC – Today, the Town of Cary transforms into “Carey, NC,” for one day only, adding an “e” to its name in celebration of the holiday season’s unofficial start and in honor of Mariah Carey. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Jr., read the proclamation to Mariah Carey herself during the 7 a.m. hour on adult contemporary radio station MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM.

This one-day renaming, officially proclaimed by Mayor Weinbrecht on behalf of the Town Council, pays homage to Mariah Carey’s holiday anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” a song that has been an enduring part of the season’s soundtrack worldwide ever since its initial release 30 years ago.

“On behalf of the citizens of ‘Carey,’ I am proud to add an ‘e’ to our Town’s name for One Sweet Day,” said Mayor Weinbrecht to the singer. “This tribute honors your ability to bring people together through your music and holiday cheer. We invite everyone to join us in ‘Downtown Carey’ to experience the magic of the season.”

“This is perfect,” said Carey. “I need to move there.”

Beginning in November and continuing into the new year, the community of over 187,000 residents transforms its downtown into a wonderland of lights and holiday cheer, with a full lineup of seasonal events across town. Beyond the holiday season, Cary – as it is typically spelled – also offers a robust calendar of year-round events, from spring festivals to summer concerts and sports tournaments.
 
“If Mariah Carey lived in North Carolina, this would be the town that she’d live in,” MIX host Kyle Smelser said when introducing the mayor.Festivities All Season LongAs part of the annual “Heart of the Holidays” celebrations and other seasonal activities, the Town has announced a range of interactive events, including:
Enchanting and Immersive Light Displays – A dazzling array of holiday lights and decorations throughout Downtown, perfect for family outings and Instagrammable moments, from mid-November through the new year.
Careyoke Contest – A special Mariah Carey-inspired karaoke event where participants can sing holiday classics and the singer’s greatest hits at the beautifully decorated park in Downtown on November 22.
Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker – Enjoy the storybook Christmas atmosphere at the historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center with cookies, carolers, kids’ activities, holiday stories, and a visit from Santa on December 7.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Experience the beloved traditional start of the holiday season, bringing warmth and cheer to the community, with events all day in Downtown on December 7.
The Motown Sound of Christmas – The Town and Pure Life Theatre Company join together again to produce this soulful holiday experience wrapped in love and hope December 27 – 28.
2024 Kwanzaa Celebration – Celebrate our vibrant community with art activities, food trucks, performances, and vendors on December 29.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting – Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with an activity for kids, holiday music, a sweet treat, and the menorah lighting on December 30.
9th Annual NC Chinese Lantern Festival – The renowned festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre returns to captivate audiences with intricate lantern displays and breathtaking performances from November 16 through January 12, 2025.

For more details about upcoming events and to see what is in store this season, please visit carync.gov.About ‘Carey, North Carolina’With excellence and innovation in its DNA, “Carey, NC,” is a thriving community of over 187,000 people representing more than 60 nationalities at the heart of North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle region. Typically spelled “Cary,” the Town consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live, work, have fun, and do business in the United States. Known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive network of bike-friendly parks and greenways, environmental stewardship, robust business climate, and premier sports venues, “Carey” (or “Cary”) remains a place of inspiration and opportunity – no matter its spelling. With a “people first” philosophy, this local government values collaboration, experimentation, learning, and adaptation, making it an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors. For more information, visit carync.gov/about.

2 thoughts on “Hallowalimuertos, Day 2: Turns Out We are also Celebrating Carey Day”

    1. You did live in Cary before, so you still have a connection. But just glad seeing more contributions to the light in these final days before the election!

      And the light is also bright in Fearrington.

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