About Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day holiday that originated in Mexico and is now celebrated throughout Latin America. It has origins in the Aztec culture’s four-month celebration to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, also known as “the Lady of the Dead”, combined with the Roman Catholic All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day brought to the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors. This holiday honors the memory of loved ones who have died. It is celebrated from October 31 through November 2.
El Día de los Muertos es una fiesta de varios días que se originó en México y que ahora se celebra en toda América Latina. Tiene su origen en la celebración de cuatro meses de la cultura azteca a la diosa Mictecacihuatl, también conocida como “la dama de los muertos”, combinada con el Día de los Difuntos y el Día de Todos los Santos de la Iglesia Católica Romana, traídos a América por los conquistadores españoles. Esta fiesta honra la memoria de los seres queridos que han muerto. Se celebra desde el 31 de octubre hasta el 2 de noviembre.
Making Marigolds
Marigolds (cempasúchil) are used to decorate ofrendas, altars to honor the dead, and are placed on the graves of loved ones. Often referred to as “flowers of the dead” (flor de muerto), it’s believed that the scent of these bright orange blooms help attract souls to the altar. Other items placed on the ofrenda include photos, keepsakes, candles, the loved ones’ favorite food or drink, and sugar skulls (calaveras).
Las caléndulas (cempasúchil) se usan para decorar ofrendas, altares para honrar a los muertos, y se colocan en las tumbas de los seres queridos. A menudo llamadas “flores de muerto”, se cree que el aroma de estas flores de color naranja brillante ayudan a atraer a las almas al altar. Otros artículos colocados en la ofrenda incluyen fotos, recuerdos, velas, la comida o bebida favorita de los seres queridos y calaveras de azúcar.
Download Instructions to Create Marigolds at Home
Día de los Muertos Events
¡Hacer un alebrije! Actividad para llevar
Celebra el arte folclórico de los artisanos en Oaxaca, MX elaborando su propio alebrije.
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Join us at the Ralph Ellison Library for a fun Button-Making Party on October 12th!
Get creative and design your own themed buttons! Drop by to make a few fun and festive buttons to take home or share.
Themes include:
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
Our kit includes paint and a photo frame to decorate to use for Dia de los Muertos. Let us know if you need a photo printed and we can help!
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Be Advised: This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.
By Attending, you consent: To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.
For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer
Come learn about Día de los Muertos with us and create a glowing decoration inspired by the colorful sugar skull.
Come join us as we turn simple-looking paper strips into beautiful art by paper quilling. Paper quilling involves rolling, looping, curling and shaping paper strips and then combining them to create designs.
Get ready for a frightfully fun time with our Spooky Season Family Fun Kit! Create Halloween decorations, learn about traditions like Día de los Muertos, and enjoy some screen-free time with crafts and activities the whole family can enjoy!
Disclaimer(s)
Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Get ready for El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) by decorating sugar skulls. El Dia de los Muertos is a Latino holiday celebrated Oct. 31-Nov.
Disclaimer(s)
Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.
Elevate your Dia de los Muertos celebrations with vibrant and meaningful Day of the Dead crafts for kids and the entire family. Register now to join us November 1st at the Southern Oaks Library, Meeting Room A, starting at 2pm.