Feliz Dia de Los Muertos - Happy Day of the Dead

A time of remembrance and celebration of loved ones past. The many films, events, and activities dedicated to remembering those who have passed and this very vibrant festival show that people need to remember their loved ones beyond grief. They must go on to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of those they care for. Coco, Pixar's contribution to the genre in 2017, resonated with audiences across the globe not because of a fascination with death but because memories are the ultimate mark that you can leave behind. Our means of interacting with these memories can be through storytelling, watching films, visiting monuments, and lately social media. While the methods of passing on memories has changed, the main theme is the continuity of the importance of memory.

In the department, we created an ofrenda which we offer a space of remembrance for known and unknown individuals.

The photos below are individuals we have decided to include in our display four of the five individuals are unidentified. While there is no immediate connection to these individuals their presence is very reminiscent of our city. There is one couple from Mexico and one couple from the Texas. The bi-national nature of our city is also what has brought the Day of the Dead to become such a special event to our city and citizens. 

The last individual pictured on the left is Olga Nethersole. She was a prominent actress from England who toured the United States among other countries. She was an individual who was one of the catalysts in America's societal change from a Victorian perspective to a slightly more modern perspective due to her arrest for violating public decency alongside her male costar for their performance of "Sapho" led to a trial in which they were acquitted. Additionally, she left the stage and served as a nurse during WWII. After which, she utilized her public speaking skills to become a voice for public health and established the People's League of Health.

One thing that I have taken away from being a part of the Border Heritage Center is that the past still plays a major role in our everyday activities. I hope you will take the time to celebrate those who have come before you and the fact that we live in a community that has a vibrancy to it that will never be extinguished because people will continue to share their stories, traditions, and culture.

We hope that you can come join us downtown on Saturday November 2, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for family craft activities in the Main Library's Atrium.