Bringing Day of the Dead to Life

For the eleventh time in 12 years, the library is partnering with Dr. Eric Vaccarella and his students to display their work commemorating Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead. It may sound macabre, but Day of the Dead is a time for the living to participate in a joyous celebration honoring loved ones who have passed away. To learn more about the observance, you may be interested in a recent report on the holiday on National Public Radio.

Dr. Vaccarella at work with his students

The library is currently hosting a showing of ceremonial altars (ofrendas) built by students of Dr. Vaccarella's Spanish Conversation class. This year's ofrendas honor three famous Mexicans:

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (Tejano singer -- 1971-1995)

Francisco “Pancho” Villa (Revolutionary -- 1878-1923)

Frida Kahlo (Painter -- 1907-1954)

Detail of altar commemorating Selena

The public is invited when our students present their work at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 31st. The altars will be on display through Tuesday, November 5th. The library will serve refreshments and offer festive music after the presentations.

This program is sponsored in part by the IL|UMinate grant fund and the Office of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP.)

See more photos from this year's display on our Facebook Page.