A Mexican tradition that honours loved ones who have died, including beloved family pets, will bring the community together at St. Stephen’s Garcelon Civic Centre on Oct. 18.
Hosted by Red Latin Southwest New Brunswick (Red Latin SWNB), the free Día de Muertos celebration begins at 2 p.m., with drumming, crafts, refreshments and professional Mexican folk music and dancing.
Organizer Aura Otero said the local celebration began in 2022, when she noticed more Mexican newcomers arriving in town. A grassroots group organized the first gathering in just two weeks, attracting about 150 people to the event.
“We thought, ‘What if we show the community this beautiful tradition we have, Day of the Dead, so they can get to know about us?” Otero recalled.
Central to the tradition is the ‘ofrenda,’ an altar decorated with photographs, favourite foods and other offerings for deceased loved ones. In Otero’s home community, marigold paths help guide their spirits home.
“It’s like a celebration of life for us,” she said.
Visitors will learn how to create their own altar using materials available locally.
“Our main hope is that they adopt the tradition and make it their own,” Otero said. “I know many of our traditional elements aren’t available here, but we’ll show you how to make an altar for your loved ones using what you already have at home.”
Sunday’s program includes Rhythms by the Sea, a participatory drum circle beginning around 2:15 p.m., followed by craft activities and refreshments. At 3:30 p.m., professional Mexican folk dancers will perform alongside live singers.
Otero hopes sharing Latino heritage will encourage others in southwest New Brunswick to share their cultures, too. Everyone is welcome.
