The event will take place from 2-6 p.m. at EVPL West, both throughout the surrounding park and inside the library. The library's downstairs meeting space will be a dedicated ofrenda room, featuring ofrendas made by people throughout the community.
On Saturday, November 2, EVPL West will be the site of dancing, crafts, ofrendas, an art parade, authentic Mexican food, and more, all as part of the eighth annual Evansville Dia de los Muertos celebration.
The event, presented by EVPL in partnership with staff and students from Montessori Academy and Signature School, offers an opportunity to learn about this ancient Mexican celebration that is now observed in communities around the world.
"Dia de los Muertos translates to Day of the Dead, and is an ancient celebration among many Latino cultures," said Erika Qualls Barnett, EVPL Program Manager. "But rather than a day of mourning, the holiday is a joyful celebration that is believed to temporarily reunite the living and the dead."
The event will take place from 2-6 p.m. at EVPL West, both throughout the surrounding park and inside the library. The library's downstairs meeting space will be a dedicated ofrenda room, featuring ofrendas made by people throughout the community.
The ofrenda is the centerpiece of any Dia de los Muertos celebration and includes an array of thoughtfully selected objects arranged to honor and evoke memories of a departed relative, friend, or public figure.Tradition holds that the ofrenda attracts and guides the spirit home for a single day each year to linger in the love and companionship of the living.
Winners of EVPL's pinata contest will be announced at 2:15 p.m. Individuals and families throughout the community are also invited to join the art parade beginning at 5:30, which will feature uni9ue "floats," costumes, and face paint.
More information about the event, including photos of prior celebrations, details about creating an ofrenda, or art parade guidelines, is available at www.evpl.org/dia. Those who wish to create and share an ofrenda should email dayofthedead@evpl.org to confirm details and reserve a table.