NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Lazos AmĂ©rica Unida, a New Brunswick non-profit group dedicated to serving the needs of the Mexican-American families in the area, and the Rutgers Center for Latino Arts and Culture (CLAC) are teaming up to host a Dia de los Muertos party in the community room of the city’s public library, located at 60 Livingston Avenue.

Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a day of rememberance of those who have passed away.  It is a spiritual holiday for family and friends to remember their loved ones.

This event will be held Saturday, November 1, from Noon until 4pm, and it is free and open to the public.

Guests are asked to help build an altar together, and to bring an “ofrenda” (Spanish for “offering”), which could be a photo of someone who has died, or something more general like chocolate, bread, fruit, or flowers.

There will be refreshments, music, and Champurrado, a Mexican choclate-based drink.  Children will be able to decorate their own sugar skulls, a popular art tradition from Mexico and watch live dance performances by the dance troupe Kalpulli Huehuetlatolli.

There will also be a tour of a Day of the Dead exhibit in the Henry Guest House, located next to the library.

According to the Reporte Hispano, the exhibit is open from October 30 until November 1 and it “features a visual history of the Hispanic experience in New Brunswick, Mexican poster art, including a community altar where thepublic is invited to leave mementos and notes for loved one

In addition to Lazos and Rutgers CLAC, the event is also funded by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission.

For more information on the event or the exhibit, contact Kavita Pandey of the New Brunswick Free Public Library (NBFPL) at 732-745-5108 x20 or email [email protected]. 

Reporter at New Brunswick Today | mobrien@nb.today

Molly O'Brien started writing for New Brunswick Today as a freelance reporter in February 2013.

Molly writes stories on government, arts, free events, bilingual events, education and more.

Molly graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in French Linguistics and Linguistics, where she also studied Writing and Journalism. Molly also graduated Rutgers Law School.

She is open to any suggestions for stories or tips. You may contact her via text at 732-743-8993.

Molly O'Brien started writing for New Brunswick Today as a freelance reporter in February 2013.

Molly writes stories on government, arts, free events, bilingual events, education and more.

Molly graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in French Linguistics and Linguistics, where she also studied Writing and Journalism. Molly also graduated Rutgers Law School.

She is open to any suggestions for stories or tips. You may contact her via text at 732-743-8993.