Salem Public Library invites you to bring in items to be added to a community ofrenda during the month of October. A collection box will be available at the Greeter Desk inside the front doors of the library. A few things to know:
- Only artificial flowers will be included.
- Candles must be LED or will be displayed, but left unlit.
- Breads and fruits must be plastic or wax.
- Items will not be returned.
The Día de los Muertos Community Altar is on display through Thursday, November 2 on Floor 1 at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a holiday celebrated in many parts of Latin America between October 31-November 2 during which families remember loved ones who have passed.
One of the essential components of celebrating the Day of the Dead is the altar (ofrenda) which is decorated with photos of passed loved ones. The altars are different in every culture, but the main components are yellow marigolds (cempazúchitl), candles, photos of family members who’ve passed, papel picado (tissue paper designs) and food and drink that they liked. The altars are a way for the living family members to honor their loved ones who are no longer here.
