It is hard not to fall in love with the Grand Rapids Public Library’s programming throughout the year as it conducts some of the most diverse and culturally important work of any institution in our city.
And while the library focuses on a host of culturally significant holiday celebrations observed by so many groups in our city, it is the Día de los Muertos (translation: Day of the Dead) observation that takes its community-engaging programming to new heights.
When folks attend this year’s Día de los Muertos at the main branch of the GRPL, they are in for a special treat because of how expansive this presentation is becoming each and every year.
For this special Day of the Dead celebration of 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.
What makes Día de los Muertos at the GRPL so wonderful is this event honors the tradition of this special day as a time for us to celebrate the life and memory of the dead.
Having attended this event in the past, I can say it is a thrill to see so many altars uniquely presented for our community to enjoy and ponder long after the event is over. I can still recall the year I stumbled upon my friend Roberta King’s altar that she erected in tribute to the life of her son Noah, who had died a few years ago.
Having space to honor life deepens the cultural connections of our city and thus deepens the points of entry where empathy can take hold in the viewer.
But do not delay since these community altar tributes will only on display Thursday, October 27 – Tuesday, November 1.
On the closing day of the event, the library will host a family day during Día de los Muertos on Sunday, October 30 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. In addition to educational activities for families, including a bilingual storytime, live music, sugar skull decorating, face painting, and crafts, there will also be traditional food items provided by El Granjero and Pan de Muerto provided by Panaderia Margo.
Admission: Free
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