MÉCACI presents Día de Los Muertos, a special event dedicated to celebrating the youth with Mexican roots. This event aims to deepen their connection to their heritage. It will take place from November 1-3 at the Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis.
About Día de los Muertos:
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday where families honor and reunite with the souls of their deceased loved ones, celebrating with food, drink, and joy. Though it originates in Mexico, Día de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Latin America and anywhere with a Latino population. The holiday takes place from October 31 to November 2. While October 31 is Halloween, November 1 is All Saints’ Day, and November 2 is All Souls’ Day—collectively known as Día de los Muertos. According to tradition, at midnight on October 31, the gates of heaven open, allowing the spirits of children to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of adults join the celebration.
We invite all Hoosiers to reflect and celebrate the lives of loved ones at our community altar, fostering connection and understanding.
Event Highlights:
- Opening Day Ceremony (November 1): A ceremony will be held at noon, where Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn will present a proclamation.
- Tapete de Flores: A stunning 1,000 sq. ft. floral display made from vibrant marigolds in shades of yellow and orange.
- Papel Picado: A display of 3,000 traditional Mexican papel picado pieces.
- Community Altar: A 30×15 ft. altar representing the collective remembrance of loved ones. All Hoosiers are invited to reflect and celebrate the lives of those who have passed, fostering community connection and understanding.
- Traditional Foods: Samples of pan de muerto and hot chocolate.
- Ofrenda with Testimonials: A video screen will showcase testimonials from Hoosiers of Mexican descent, highlighting the cultural diversity of Mexican society in Indiana. These stories, shared by individuals from first- to fifth-generation Mexican families, aim to educate and inspire.
- Short Film by Local Latino Talent: A captivating short film that delves into the history, customs, and significance of Día de los Muertos traditions.
School and Student Opportunities:
Teachers interested in bringing students to the Capitol can receive assistance with school bus costs. Please feel free to share this opportunity with educators who might be interested.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We need many hands for setup on October 31 and volunteers during the event from November 1-3. Sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up
About MéCACI:
MéCACI empowers Mexican youth in Indiana through vibrant art and cultural events that celebrate and reinforce their cultural identity. By building partnerships and engaging community support, we aim to enhance the impact of our programs and enrich our community.
For more information, visit mecaci.com or email us at mecacinfo@gmail.com.