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 be celebrated at the New Rochelle Public Library with an elaborate exhibit and free events. Beginning October 30, the library’s lobby will again be transformed as Calaveras y Diablitos, a group of local artists, create their tenth 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 at a colorful market. The exhibit continues until November 6th during regular library hours.
The public is invited to create additional offrendas on Sunday, October 30th, during a festive event in Ruby Dee Park at Library Green. From 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, craft and food vendors, as well as live music, will take place from1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. The schedule for performances is as follows:
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm “The Juarez Show,” with mariachi and vocalists, will perform a musical tribute to the late, great Juan Gabriel. The costumed dance troupe, Atl-Tlachinolli will perform traditional Aztec ceremonies from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm. At 5:00 pm, the local band, El Silver Cabs, will perform.
On Tuesday, November 1st, from 3:00 – 4:30 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 6:30 pm – 7:15 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.
The performances by Atl-Tlachinolli and Calpulli Mexican Dance Company are made possible by the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Library, City School District, and Department of Parks & Recreation.
