Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces talks about the importance of adding family photos and personal items to an ofrenda. Photos by Frank X. Moraga © 2023 www.AmigosNAZ.com
FLAGSTAFF — Library patrons had the opportunity to learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, the meaning behind items on a family altar and other cultural customs honoring the dearly departed during a session presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5.
In preparation for its 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices has been presenting a series of information lectures for Coconino County employees and patrons at the Camp Verde Public Library.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raices President Lydia Anaya and treasurer Becca DeLapp presented the “Ofrenda 101” session, creating a temporary ofrenda in the library’s Community Room.
They presented information about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raices Vice President Frank Moraga presented information on the variety of customs honoring the dearly departed in around the world. He then presented information on Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated in México and many Latin America countries on November 2nd. Given that Halloween (October 31st), All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd) tumble into each other, the confusion between the celebrations is understandable. Come hear a brief history of these cultural traditions.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raices on Oct. 4 also created a display on Día de los Muertos that can be viewed in the library’s main hall.
Visit 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente for more information on the annual event at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Click here to register for any of the four sugar skull making workshops.
The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC). Celebraciones partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces members Becca Delap and Delia Munoz set up a community information display on Dia de Los Muertos at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 4, 2023.
