Día de los Muertos at A.K. Smiley Public Library

The A.K. Smiley Public Library invites residents to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a traditional Mexican holiday honoring loved ones who have passed away. The free, family-friendly event will feature music, art, food, and cultural activities throughout the morning in Smiley Park and The Contemporary Club.

Día de los Muertos blends indigenous and Catholic traditions to celebrate the lives of those who have died with colorful altars (ofrendas), marigolds, food, and music. The holiday is observed across Mexico and Latin America on Nov. 1 and 2 and has become a cherished cultural celebration in communities worldwide.

Smiley Park activities include:

• Face painting and crafts
• Teen Art Contest viewing in the library’s Assembly Room
• Free book for children (while supplies last)
• 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free lunch provided by Tacos Che and More and Nichos Ice Cream (while supplies last)
• 11–11:45 a.m. Vocal and guitar music by Ana González de Jorgenson
• 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Performance by Ballet Folklórico Ángeles Especiales
• 12:30 p.m. Children’s Catrina/Calavera costume contest

The Contemporary Club activities include:

• 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Public viewing of ofrendas and a Día de los Muertos art display, courtesy of the Mexican Consulate
• 10–10:30 a.m. Children’s story time
• 10:40–11 a.m. Art talk by artist Nancy Nieto on her work “El Árbol de la Vida”