Arlington Public Library Accepting Photo Submissions for Dia de los Muertos
By Arlington Public Library
Posted on October 15, 2021, October 15, 2021

Editor's Note: This article was originally published Sept. 21, 2021. The story was updated Oct. 14, 2021, to include a video about the display.

The Arlington Public Library wants to honor those that are no longer with us this upcoming Día de los Muertos. We invite the community to submit photos of their loved ones for our ofrendas (altars). These photos will be added to our two ofrendas beginning Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021.

The ofrendas will be on display through Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library and the East Library and Recreation Center. We also invite you to our Día de los Muertos Celebration, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at the East Library and Recreation Center.

Click here to submit your photos.

A holiday originating from Mexico, Día de Los Muertos is a two-day celebration that runs from Nov. 1 through Nov. 2. Día de los Muertos is a celebration that honors the life of those who have passed. On this day, many pay their respects to friends and family by setting up ofrendas (altars) or visiting their gravesites.

Many make this display in their homes or at the cemetery. It usually consists of photos of loved ones, their favorite food, drinks, or personal items. Marigolds are always a must as they are believed to guide spirits back with their intense color and smell at the cemetery. On Nov. 1 it is believed that children come back as ‘Angelitos’ (angels) and on Nov. 2 ‘Difuntos’ (adults) show up to celebrate and pick up their ofrendas (offerings).  

We invite you to submit your photos and to visit the participating libraries to view the ofrendas. Anyone can submit a photograph, these will be added by our librarians. If you have any questions please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Learn more about Día de los Muertos and find a curated list of items in our collection by clicking this link.

Support Youth and Families
News, Community, Library