Join us on Tuesday, November 1 for music, games, and a traditional paper craft as we celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library! Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico (where it is a public holiday) and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. This multi-day holiday focuses on family and friends coming together to pray for and remember loved ones who have died, and help support their spiritual journey.
Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars to honor the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds (the traditional flower used to honor the dead), and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and also visiting graves with these as gifts. At our Día de los Muertos celebration, attendees can add to an altar that will be set up and share the significance of the items they are leaving.
Attendees can also learn to play loteria (Mexican bingo) and try their hand at making papel picado. Considered a Mexican folk art, papel picado is a decorative craft made out of paper cut into elaborate designs. Papel picado designs are commonly cut from tissue paper using a guide and small chisels (or in our case, scissors), creating as many as forty banners at a time. Guests can enjoy traditional Mexican music as they learn about the traditions of Día de los Muertos. All ages are welcome to attend this event.
This event will take place on Tuesday, November 1, from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Applegate Room, located in the lower level of the Library. For more information, please stop by the Reference Services Desk or call 812-949-3523.
