Day of the Dead at the Des Moines Public Library

Day of the Dead Graphic

Day of the Dead, or El Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Latin American holiday celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Originating in Mexico, the holiday has since spread across much of Latin America and among those of Mexican heritage in the United States. The holiday, generally celebrated from the evening of October 31 through November 2, is a joyous one, with many distinctive traditions and symbols. These include altars containing ofrendas, a collection of offerings that contain the deceased’s favorite food, flowers, and more. Traditional foods include Sugar skulls (calaveras) and sweet bread (pan de muerto). Each family's altar is filled with vibrant colors and decorations, often matching family members' colorful costumes; some even wear skull masks in commemoration of the day.

Library Assistant Marlú Abarca says that growing up, her family would travel to Mexico for the holiday. It helped her connect with relatives she never knew. “I remember heading to the cemetery where my grandfather was buried,” says Abarca. She said they would dust and sweep inside the above-ground grave site before beginning the celebrations. They set out flowers, listened to his favorite music, and ate his favorite food.

“This was a really nice way for me to get to know my grandpa, since he passed away before I was born,” says Abarca. “Some of us cried, but it was mostly a celebratory occasion, where many told funny stories about him and shared good memories. Now, he and my grandma both sit on my altar, and ofrendas for them include my grandma's favorite chocolates, Ferrero Rocher, and Carlos V chocolate for my grandpa.”

The library has several Día de los Muertos events at our branches this week. These crafts will give families a chance to learn more about Day of the Dead. For a full listing of events at the library this week, go to dmpl.org/events.

Published on October 25, 2019
Last Modified April 20, 2024