Madison Public Library will celebrate Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with free events at four library locations this fall, inviting community members to honor loved ones who have died through art, music, crafts and cultural activities.
The celebrations will take place at Lakeview, Meadowridge, Central and Imagination Center libraries, with programming running from Oct. 19 through Nov. 2. The events will feature Madison artist Gabriela Jimenez Marván and award-winning musician Angela Puerta.
Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives and memories of deceased loved ones. Participants can contribute photographs and artwork to community ofrendas, or altars, and take part in activities celebrating the holiday.
Central Library is displaying a Día de Muertos ofrenda through Oct. 31, honoring Madison residents who died this year. The colorful altar celebrates their memories, stories and connections to the community.
Lakeview Library will host a celebration from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can bring a photograph of a deceased loved one or a small personal item to add to a community ofrenda. A bilingual paper-flower workshop will run from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by a song and conversation program featuring “Don Tavo,” a calavera, or skeleton figure, from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is required for the paper-flower workshop.
Meadowridge Library will offer activities Sunday, Nov. 2, including face painting and crafts from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families can make paper marigolds, decorate sugar skulls and participate in other art activities.
Puerta will lead a family-friendly Latin rock concert from 5 to 5:45 p.m., featuring interactive songs, movement and dancing. A screening of the 2017 animated film “Coco” will follow from 6 to 7:45 p.m., with sugar skull cookies available for decorating.
The Imagination Center Library will host a Día de Muertos family program from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 2, featuring games, arts and crafts, and activities introducing participants to the holiday. The program is open to all ages, and registration is not required.
The Meadowridge programming is funded by Beyond the Page, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Madison Community Foundation.
For event details and registration information, visit the Madison Public Library website.
