Library to Host 'Dia de los Muertos' Event Friday

Submitted by the City of Redwood City

All community members are invited to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, this Friday at 6 p.m. in front of the Downtown Main Library at 1044 Middlefield Road.

"Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead" is a cultural event celebrated in the Latin American countries in commemoration and remembrance of the loved ones who passed away and whose spirits visit the Earth once a year.

On Nov. 2 each year, Mexican families go to the cemetery, visit the graves of their relatives, clean and sometimes paint the grave, place flowers and light candles. Also at home, Mexican families make special altars dedicated to dead relatives. The altars range from simple to very elaborate, often full of pleasure objects giving life to their dead relatives, including food and favorite drinks. The altars dedicated to the souls of dead children include toys, candy and other goodies.

This Friday, the public is invited to this special event to come and build altars to the dead, as well as visit altars other residents have built.

The event will also feature art on display, ceremonial altars created by local residents, local crafts and demonstrations, an official procession, face-painting and other activities for children, music and food, throughout the evening.

Several food vendors will serve traditional Dia de los Muertos treats such as hot chocolate, pan de muerto, tamales and more.

Those interested in creating an altar should contact Connie Guerrero at 650-465-2024, Veronica Escamez at 650-346-8468, or Maria Kramer at 650-780-7043, or e-mail circulocultural09@gmail.com.

The Altar Exhibit will be featured at the Redwood City Downtown Main Library from Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 4.

The Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead event is sponsored by Circulo Cultural, Redwood City Library Foundation, Federacion Jaliscience, Chavez Market, the Paula and Peter Ucelli Foundation, Community Consultants Group, Nuri's Donut House, Swinerton Management & Consulting, N4 Design Lab, and the Redwood City Public Library.

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