Community members gathered over the weekend to honor loved ones who have died at the McLean County Museum of History’s annual Dia de Muertos celebration, filling the museum with music, dancing and colorful activities inspired by the traditional Mexican holiday.
The celebration was complemented by the museum's ongoing coordinated display on death and dying in McLean County called Mourning in McLean.
The museum’s first floor featured a large community ofrenda designed by Miriam Padilla and constructed by Jesus Islas. An ofrenda is an altar, serving as a place to remember the deceased.
“Not only for McLean County, but for everyone who comes from a different place, it is important for everyone to feel a part of the community, as people coming here from outside, and being able to give others a space where they feel at home,” said Padilla.
The ofrenda was decorated with marigolds, photographs, offerings and candles. Guests brought photocopied photographs of loved ones who have died to place alongside it.
Additional activities highlighted Mexican culture through music, art, food and dances, with partner organizations like Normal and Bloomington Public Libraries, Latinos en BloNo and The Immigration Project contributing activities and resources. Lupita’s grocery store brought pan dulce, plus traditional Mexican fare from Bay Area Mexicana’s food truck.
“The opportunity to engage in artmaking and hands-on learning creates this tangible connection to the cultures and people that kiddos and parents are engaging with on a day like today,” said Hannah Johnson.
A craft station led by Johnson featured wired jewelry/sculpture making, charms, beads and marigold ofrenda-style art.
Marcos Mendez performed songs in both English and Spanish that highlighted the importance of the holiday.
“It is super impactful for me,” said Mendez, who was also celebrating his birthday. “When I moved away from my family, it really started to resonate with me. It is important not just because it is my birthday, but it is super helpful to help me reconnect with my family.”
Tiyoli Velazquez performed a traditional folk dance showcasing Mexican dress that included influence from the indigenous side of Mexico.
The traditional folk-dance dress is a long dark colored skirt, colorful shirt with traditional indigenous patterns, calavera (skull) makeup and a crown-like head band of flowers coinciding with the color of the face paint.
“The dances that I performed a little bit ago are a representation of the states in Mexico that were influenced by the indigenous Aztec groups,” said Velazquez following her performance.
Not only did the McLean County Museum of History bring celebration and representation to this important date, they also brought resources to help the Hispanic community feel that they belong.
Organizations like Birth to Five Illinois, Star Adult Literacy and The Immigration Project handed out pamphlets to help everyone stay aware of how advocacy is important for the community.
When asked about the importance of Dia de Muertos and how impactful their organization is for the Hispanic community is Melissa Breeden, a Birth to Five Illinois regional council manager, said it’s important for her organization to reach the Hispanic community.
“We need to learn what barriers families in that community face when it comes to access to early childhood childcare, mental and behavioral health services, and just invite them to talk to us about their experience.”
Through the shared cultural experiences, the Dia de Muertos event at Mclean County Museum gave light to the representation and resources the Hispanic community needs.
