Program Description
Event Details
Celebrate Day of the Dead with the Des Moines Art Center
What is Day of the Dead? Day of the Dead is a holiday that is celebratory, yet respectful of death, and has been practiced in parts of Latin America for centuries. Families honor their ancestors and the recently deceased with commemorative altars filled with offerings of flowers, photographs, pan de los muertos (the traditional bread of the day), candles, sugar skulls, toys, and other personal items. During this festive time of year, it is believed that souls of the departed return to enjoy reuniting with their families.
Pick up your own Day of the Dead Activity Kit including:
- Materials and instructions for creating tissue paper flowers and decorative frames
- Learn about the significance of the monarch butterfly in Mexican culture
- Milkweed seeds for you to grow for monarchs to eat
- List of Latinx authors for related reading
- And more!
Free Day of the Dead Activity Kits will be available for families wishing to learn more about the tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed. Kits will be available at local Des Moines Public Library branches (Central, East, Forest, Franklin, North, and South) on Monday, October 25 through Saturday, October 31, pickup during open hours while supplies last.