The Loveland Museum, Loveland Heart and Sol and the Loveland Public Library partner to offer workshops and a community celebration in honor of Día de Los Muertos this October and November.
Every year, on Nov. 1 and 2, people across Latin America and the U.S. commune with their deceased loved ones during Día de Los Muertos. At the heart of the celebration is the altar: a multi-tiered, ritual platform where offerings, or ofrendas, for the dead are placed. The offerings are unique, personal and symbolic, allowing each person to celebrate in the manner most meaningful to them. Traditional elements often include candles, flowers, photographs, food, memorabilia and much more. Join the Loveland Museum for workshops and lectures during the month of October to celebrate and lead up to the culmination, a Día de Los Muertos event, in November. 
2023 Día de Los Muertos Events
Bittersweet Harvest: Carrying the Family Legacy
Friday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.
*Music by Dario Crespin to follow program
“Bittersweet Harvest: Carrying the Family Legacy” is a presentation by Adriana Trujillo that journeys through her grandpa’s experience and time in the Bracero Program. José González started working as a Bracero in the U.S. at age 17 and continued this back-breaking work for over 59 years. Because of him, Adriana has dedicated her life and career to the equitable representation of marginalized groups through oral histories and cultural heritage conservation.
Sugar Skull Workshops with Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc.
Monday, Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m.
Ages 7+, $5 per person for supplies
In each workshop, we will provide participants with pre-made sugar skulls. Learn more about these traditional sculptures as you use frosting and other materials to decorate them. Children ages 7+ are welcome. It’ll be a great workshop for families, or just you and a friend! Register at thelovelandmuseum.org/guest-artist-workshops.
Lost Language with Dr. Cynthia Trinidad-Sheahan
Thursday, Oct. 26, 5 p.m.
*Music by Dario Crespin to follow program
Culture can be defined by traditions, food and music, but language is a connection to stories, conversations and terms of endearment. Language gives a sense of belonging when with family, friends and a community. When language is lost, it can make a person feel embarrassed. “What, you don’t speak Spanish?”, “Can you translate this? Oh, you don’t speak Spanish?” “Why didn’t your parents teach you to speak Spanish?” No matter the language, when language is lost in a family or community, it becomes a disconnection of a very important cultural piece. Dr. Cynthia Trinidad-Sheahan is the executive director of the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education.
Día de Los Muertos Community Celebration
Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
During this Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, enjoy live music, refreshments, an altar building workshop and much more at the Loveland Museum! For more information about the Día de Los Muertos programs or other upcoming events and programs hosted by the City of Loveland’s Cultural Services Department, please contact the Loveland Museum at 970.962.2410.
