Dancers celebrate Día de los Muertos in front of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (2023). Photo by Matailong Du.
"Day of the Dead, holiday in Mexico, also observed to a lesser extent in other areas of Latin America and in the United States, honoring dead loved ones and making peace with the eventuality of death by treating it familiarly, without fear and dread. The holiday is derived from the rituals of the pre-Hispanic peoples of Mexico. Led by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as “Lady of the Dead,” the celebration lasted a month. After the Spanish arrived in Mexico and began converting the native peoples to Roman Catholicism, the holiday was moved to coincide with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2, respectively). Modern observances vary from region to region. In some rural areas, families adorn grave sites with candles, marigolds, and the favorite foods of deceased relatives in an attempt to persuade the loved ones to return for a family reunion. In urban areas, people take to the street for festive celebrations and indulge in the consumption of food and alcohol. Some wear wooden skull masks known as calacas. Many families build altars, called ofrendas, in their homes, using photos, candles, flowers, and food. The festivities are often characterized by black humor. Toys and food, including breads and candies, are created in the shape of symbols of death such as skulls and skeletons." Credit: Encyclopedia Brittanica, Day of the Dead | Mexican Tradition, Celebrations & Rituals | Britannica.
For additional information on the Day of the Dead, visit the library's Credo Reference Database.
The theme of this year's Latinx Heritage Month is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together" and captures the spirit of innovation, resilience and unity that define the Hispanic Experience. The picture above was chosen to illustrate the Latinx community's pride in our roots. The video below entitled "Unity Makes Strength" features a contemporary Latinex Panel who discuss crucial issues of interest to all. This guide highlights the three attributes of innovation, resilience and unity through the information and resources curated here.
Napa County Hispanic Network Upcoming Event, October 5, 2024:
"The scholarship banquet is our number one way to raise money to help future students earn more scholarships. We are so grateful to our generous donors and sponsors that come together to help make this amazing event possible. NCHN has led the way in providing a resources to our Latino Community in Napa County. The main focus has been to raise funding for college scholarships. They have awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to 300+ students and growing every year thanks to our generous donors."
