MILWAUKEE — While most of the focus this week has been on Halloween, there's another major holiday being celebrated by many in our area right now.
Dia de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead," started on October 31st and runs through Saturday November 2nd.
"Doing this kind of stuff makes me feel more at home," said Daniela Villagran, a senior at Escuela Verde, who is helping organize the school’s Dia de los Muertos celebration Friday night.
"We want people of all backgrounds and nationalities to come take part," Villagran said. "It’s always reassuring to know people want to learn and participate in our culture. Especially in these times."
Villagran moved to Milwaukee from Guatemala with her family four years ago. It wasn’t an easy transition.
"I especially think it’s important for young people to keep their cultural traditions alive, because when I first came here I started having some identity problems," Villagran said. "It was hard because I didn’t necessarily identify as American, but I also didn’t completely identify as Guatemalan or Hispanic."
Dia de los Muertos is a vibrant holiday meant to honor loved ones who’ve passed into the afterlife, and our connectedness to them on Earth. It’s celebrated throughout Mexico and Latin America. It has become more widely-recognized locally thanks to entrepreneurs and artists like Mariyam Nayeri and Nicole Acosta.
Nayeri opened Batanica Galactica in Walker's Point, a place for under-represented Latino small-business owners to sell their work.
"I wanted to create a gathering and healing space in a neighborhood that was part of my upbringing," Nayeri said. "My grandparents came from Mexico and settled here on the southside in the 1950's. If we can foster more connection in the city through spaces like this, I will be so grateful. One of the things I noticed was that we needed more recognition of Dia de los Muertos."
That's why Botanica Galactica is now filled with homemade altars - or "ofrendas" - for Dia de los Muertos. It's hosting special events throughout the weekend.
"This holiday is meant to celebrate life, and the people we love who have passed," Acosta said. "It represents a connection back to our cultural identity. It means that we are not ashamed of where we come from, and that it's okay to practice these traditions and rituals where we currently live."
Something she says is crucial for younger latino generations trying to navigate life in today’s society.
"There was nothing like this for me to see or participate in when I was growing up," Acosta said. "We'’ve had to carve these spaces out ourselves. Especially here in Milwaukee, it feels like there’s been somewhat of an awakening. We've realized we don't really need to ask for permission to do these things. We can create these spaces and celebrations and invite other people into them, and teach and bring awareness."
Public Events Celebrating Dia de los Muertos:
Escuela Verde’s Dia de los Muertos celebration with food, music, dancing, ofrendas, and activities for all ages - Friday November 1st 6-9 p.m. 3628 W Pierce St.
Botanica Galactica Events- 719 South 5th Street:
Friday November 1st 8 p.m. Dia De Los Muertos dinner
Saturday November 2nd, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mercado Magic Dia De los Muertos celebration, 5-10 p.m. Noche de Altares - view community altars then participate in procession to Zocalo, where there will be live music, activities, food and more.
Sunday November 3rd 1-4 p.m. - Screening of Coco
