Lisbon Public Library invites the community to come to a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event Saturday, Nov. 2, at Lisbon Public Library. The event goes from 5-7 p.m.
The idea was one Lisbon resident Samantha Phillips approached new library director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez about being a possibility at Lisbon.
“Being new faces in the community, we have enjoyed learning about the fun traditions and activities that the area has to offer,” Phillips said. “When one moves to a new place, it’s not only important to learn about the community but toalso share a part of yourself with the people around you.
So, this was a great opportunity for me to share this beautiful tradition of celebrating Día de los Muertos with others and to simultaneously teach our own children about honoring our loved ones through this cultural tradition.” “I was so excited when Samantha reached out and offered to help make this event happen–she’s sharedso many great ideas,” said Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez, Lisbon Library director.
“The Friends of the Library funded all of the crafts, treats, and decorations so I really appreciate their support to make this program possible. I hope people will make plans to attend–even if they’ve already seen ‘Coco,’ we’ll be adding some extra details to make the experience magical–special lighting and of course the homemade hot chocolate and fresh sweet bread.”
Attendees at the event will watch the Pixar film “Coco,” and enjoy foods like pan de muerto (a traditional sweet bread) and hot chocolate. Crafts will include making papel picado (or cut paper) and tissue paper flowers, typical elements of a Day of the Dead altar and coloring pages for younger kids. The event is free and open to the public.
Phillips said she hopes members of the community look forward to remembering their loved ones as a community, as the stories of those who came before us are a part of how people live and share their lives.
“Día de los Muertos is not a somber holiday, but rather a beautiful time in the year to celebrate the lives lived by those we miss,” Phillips said. “It is a time to share their story by celebrating all they did to make that story memorable.”
“I hope that this event gives people a new way to remember the people they have lost and maybe even a new way of thinking about death,” Hoover de Galvez said.
Phillips said she has loved getting to know how active the Lisbon Library is in the community. “Libraries in general connect our communities to so much of the world we don’t see, and our very own Lisbon Public Library has so much available for everyone,” Phillips said.
Phillips said this will hopefully be the first of many celebrations, for years to come.
“We’re all part of a story, and no matter where we’re from, every opportunity to share and learn about your culture, and the cultures of those around us, is a gift,” Phillips said.
Hoover de Galvez also encourages those in Lisbon to share their skills, traditions or passions for possible future programs as well.
“You might be surprised to learn that the skills that come naturally to you, may be something that others in the community would love to learn about,” Hoover de Galvez said. “I want to highlight your interests at the Library–we could do something as simple as putting together a book display or something more involved, like planning a program.”
If people have ideas or interests to share, contact Hoover de Galvez at [email protected].