The film “Coco” introduced in a huge way to a new generation the annual celebration of Día de los Metros — or for our English-speaking folk, Day of the Dead.
When folks attend this year’s
Día de los Muertos at the main branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL), they are in for a special treat because of how expansive this presentation is becoming with each passing year.
For this special Day of the Dead celebration that opens to the public on October 31 and culminates with a community-themed Family Day gathering on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 1 to 4:30 p.m., this wildly popular annual Mexican holiday invites not only Latinx family and friends to share their tribute altars with the public, but the GRPL has also invited non-Latinx community members to contribute as well.
It makes for a wonderful exploration of the many lives who have lived and yet, live on through these heartfelt tributes. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors family and friends who have passed on.
The GRPL writes, “Loved ones come together to build an altar, or ofrenda, that celebrates the life and memory of the dead. The day is a time of celebration and joy, filled with talk and memories of those who have died.
“On the ofrenda many significant objects are placed as gifts to the deceased loved ones. The altar holds four important elements: water, wind, fire, and earth. These are represented by a pitcher or glass; candles; papel picado (punched paper); and food, usually pan de muerto. Other items seen on altars include sugar skulls, flowers, photos, and religious items.”
And like every year, the annual Día de los Muertos will host a series of educational activities for families including a bilingual story time, live music from Gabriel Estrada III, crafts, and face painting. Food will be provided by El Granjero and Tamales Mary. Pan de Muerto provided by Panaderia Margo.
If you want to see Pixar’s “Coco” in a community setting then on Saturday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m., GRPL will be hosting a free screening of this popular musical look at this ancient tradition. It will be played in English with Spanish subtitles.
Also on display will be the work of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada through November 11.
Posada was a printmaker and engraver who lived and worked during a period of Mexican history characterized by social and political upheaval. He illustrated historic scenes, board games and commercial items, religious images, various books, and newspapers. He is most famous for his use of calaveras (depictions of skulls and skeletons) to satirize and mock corruption of the wealthy and political elite. The exhibit includes 20 of his prints on loan courtesy of the
Grand Valley State University Print and Drawing Cabinet.