NEW ROCHELLE, NY — “Day of the Dead” (El Día de los Muertos,) a festive observance from Mexico that commemorates the return to earth of deceased family and friends each year, will again be celebrated at the New Rochelle Public Library with an elaborate exhibit and free event. Beginning October 30, the library’s lobby will again be transformed as Calaveras y Diablitos, a group of local artists, create their ninth annual exhibit in the library’s lobby. The exhibit will feature an ofrenda (altar) decorated with sugar skulls, paper cut-outs and marigolds, as well as photographs and possessions of loved ones who have died, and large papier mache figures enjoying a feast. The exhibit continues until November 5th during regular library hours.
On Sunday, November 1, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, all ages are invited to create an array of traditional symbols and crafts, on a first-come, first-served basis in the library’s Meeting Room. From 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm, the Calpulli Dance Company, and students who were instructed by Calpulli dancers this summer and in October, will perform a number of a program of regional dances, in full costume, in the library’s Ossie Davis Theater. Seating for the free performance is on a first-come, first-served basis, to the capacity of the theater.
On Monday, November 2, from 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm, a free performance by the extraordinary group of Aztec dancers, Atl-Tlachinolli, will begin in the Ossie Davis Theater and conclude at the ofrenda. The dancers perform traditional dance and rites of the Aztec, in costumes that include large headdresses of fathers. The performances are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Library, City School District, and Department of Parks & Recreation.
