Celebrating Day of the Dead in the Trove

Celebrate Day of the Dead!
¡Celebra el Día de los Muertos!

Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos is joyfully celebrated on November 1st and 2nd of each year. The holiday has Aztec roots, and its traditions for honoring the dead include visiting loved ones' graves and decorating altars (ofrendas). Day of the Dead is an ancestral tradition which celebrates the life of people and/or pets dear to us who have already departed. By celebrating their lives, we remember them fondly and open a path for them to visit us.

At the Library’s workshop series which occurred on October 10th, 17th, and the 24th, children in grades 2-5 and their families were invited to create an altar honoring a very special person already departed.

This year, the López family, originally from the capital of México, created a beautiful altar (ofrenda) that honors the children's great-grandparents: Bonifacio Espinosa, Florinda Figueroa, Guadalupe Zacarías y David Mercado. They also honored their deceased pets: Mely, Zoe, Paloma, Lola, Guacamole, Perejil, Chilly Willy, Dobby, Pelona, Calabaza y Huitlacoche.

Sessions 1 & 2 were devoted to creating the altar. Each tissue paper flower, and the miniature papel picado banner were lovingly made by hand by the family. Session 3 was spent celebrating loved ones and snacking on pan de muertos!