The Day of the Dead or “Día de los Muertos” is a pre-Hispanic tradition celebrated throughout Mexico, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. The multi-day holiday celebration takes place on November 1 and 2. November 1, is dedicated to the children who have died and this day is called “All Saints’ Day” or Día de Todos Santos. November 2 is “All Souls Day” or Día de Todas las Almas and it’s dedicated to all adults who have died.
The ofrenda (offer) is intended to welcome a person who has died to the altar sitting. Ofredas can be quite large and elaborate and are presented in one’s home in order to commemorate the souls of loves ones in the family.
On November 2, offerings reach their maximum splendor. Offers are filled with pictures, candles, flowers, food, drinks, and other special items. On this day, families gather together in prayer and in some areas of the country, they spend the night in the cemeteries surrounded by music, flowers and candle light. Day of the Dead; is a day that fills families with the happiness of beautiful memories and the sadness of the absence.
Frankfort Community Public Library Children’s Department and Family Literacy Department have come together to create a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) display. Everyone in the community is invited to come see what an authentic Ofrenda looks like. Along with the large ofrenda, we have set up a smaller display case with pictures and items that you will find on the ofrenda, the history of Dia de los Muertos, and the meaning and symbolism of the holiday and the items included in the ofrenda. The ofrenda will be on display in the children’s department from now until November 3. For more information contact Maeve Brewer at [email protected] or Maria Lopez at [email protected] or call (765) 654-8746.