Starting Monday, Oct. 28, the Aurora Public Library (APL) will present its annual Ofrendas Exhibit in the Santori Library Atrium, where visitors can view traditionally-decorated altars sponsored by community members and organizations from around the Aurora area. In its third year, the event is dedicated to and in honor of our ancestors in celebration of El Día De Los Muertos Friday, Nov. 1.
El Día de los Muertos brings our community together in celebration of both life and death, and suggests a celebratory approach to the passing of our loved ones. It is in the presence of happiness and commemorative festivities that the spirits of the dead return to visit on this All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. It creates a vibrant energy throughout the First Fridays event in every corner of downtown Aurora.
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The Aurora Public Library Ofrendas Exhibit is a lively and friendly competition, in which a select team of community members rate and select their favorite ofrenda based on traditional guidelines. The winner will be announced at Santori Library First Fridays, November 1 at 5 p.m. to start an evening of Día de los Muertos festivities in the Atrium.
First, we will present the winner with a commemorative plaque handcrafted in our very own library Makerspace. After the awards ceremony, join us for a cake-cutting and Ballet Folklorico Xcohiquezal performance at 5:20 p.m.. This Mexican dance troupe offers traditional and entertaining dance that thrills audience members of all ages, with bright costumes and lively music. By illuminating the importance and tradition of dance and music in Mexican culture, Ballet Folklorico is the perfect kickoff for the Día De Los Muertos events throughout downtown Aurora November 1! Don’t miss this free performance!
After Ballet Folklorico, there will be live music by Unplugged Sin Fronteras and Fernando Quintero & Luis Andre from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Those in attendance can dance the night away, or listen on the sidelines while munching on fresh churros and other snacks! Children and families can enjoy crafts, as well as jump in on a Lotería game for a chance to win sweet prizes. Participants can design their own sugar skull mask to impress their friends in downtown Aurora in travels from venue to venue for the citywide Día de los Muertos celebration!
“We are so honored to participate in this community celebration, and it has been such a wonderful experience working with Athziry Día De Muertos to provide entertainment that speaks to the spirit and culture of Día de los Muertos in our city. The passion these organizers bring to this event enlivens the whole experience with gratitude, remembrance, and love,” said Krista Danis, event and program coordinator.
The Library is a perfect place to start an evening on First Fridays, with access to the trolley, and in walking distance to all downtown Aurora venues.
Miriam Meza-Gotto is communications manager for Aurora Public Library.