ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library will honor the Day of the Dead through a Community Ofrenda, creating a welcoming atmosphere for community members to celebrate and reflect on the lives of loved ones who have passed.

In addition to recognizing Day of the Dead on Nov. 1, the library is planning different cultural activities throughout October to raise awareness of the meaning and cultural aspects of the celebration.

For the past two years, a Community Ofrenda at the library has been a focal point for a community event, fostering a sense of cultural connection and appreciation for traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos. The library has also organized displays featuring books about the Day of the Dead, as well as decorations and events about the holiday, making it accessible to community members of all ethnic groups and ages.

The Community Ofrenda symbolizes a bridge between cultures, allowing library patrons to engage with and celebrate the rich heritage of the Day of the Dead. The goal is to preserve tradition, foster unity, and encourage the sharing of remembrance by the diverse members of the Adrian community. 

The Ofrenda and the Community Ofrenda celebration are sponsored and co-hosted this year by HOLA (Hispanics of Lenawee Alliance) and Meijer.

Photos welcomed: The library is inviting people to honor their loved ones by bringing in a photo of a departed person or pet to include in the Community Ofrenda. Photos should be printed and no larger than 5×7 inches. They will be accepted from Oct. 13 to Oct. 24. Please label your photo with your name and contact information so it can be returned.

Community invited to help with setup: The construction of an Ofrenda is an important part of honoring the dead. The library invites community members to help set up the Community Ofrenda on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10-11:30 am. 

Adult craft project: Get ready for Halloween or Día de los Muertos by decorating two different paper bags with skulls that can be used as a lantern, a decoration, or for trick-or-treating. This craft project will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5-6 p.m., and is for ages 18 and up. Registration is not required.

Game night: Have fun playing the traditional Mexican bingo board game Loteria, themed around the Pixar movie “Coco,” which was inspired by Día de los Muertos. All ages are welcome and refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required.

Ofrenda workshop: Would you like to set up an Ofrenda but don’t know where to start? This workshop will cover the basic elements of setting up an ofrenda, and participants will also learn how to make traditional paper flowers. This workshop is for ages 18 and up. Registration is not required.

Community Ofrenda celebration: The activities will culminate in a Community Ofrenda celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. Guests will learn about the origin and meaning of Día de los Muertos, altars and their elements, the symbolism of La Catrina, and how the holiday is celebrated in different parts of the world. Traditional refreshments will be offered. The celebration is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

For more information, visit the library at 143 E. Maumee St., go to www.adrian.lib.mi.us, or call 517-265-2265. 

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