Attending the Día de los Muertos celebration at Keewaydin Farms in Viola, WI, was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience for the children. The event, co-hosted by Driftless Curiosity and the Mexican Folk Art Collective, took place on October 5th, 2024, and was a beautiful blend of cultural education and community engagement.
Cultural Significance
- Día de los Muertos: Also known as the Day of the Dead, this is one of the most important traditions in Mexico. It honors deceased loved ones by celebrating their lives and memories.
- Ofrendas: Altars are set up with photos, food, and personal items of the deceased to welcome their spirits back for a visit. This year, the ofrenda at Keewaydin Farms honored those who have worked in the food system, including farmers, food workers, chefs, and food system activists.
The Experience
One of the main reasons I brought the kids to this event was that I felt compelled to give them a different perspective of Halloween. I wanted to have more meaning and value behind the holiday and teach them that life and death is something that we all face in our lifetime. For the children, the event was not only a chance to learn about a different culture but also an opportunity to participate in meaningful activities:
- Creating Ofrendas: They brought photos, food, or other meaningful items to place on the community ofrenda, allowing them to honor their own loved ones who have passed away. This act of remembrance and respect was deeply moving for the kids, as it gave them a tangible way to connect with their heritage and the memories of their ancestors.
- Mexican Culinary Experience: The celebration featured traditional Día de los Muertos dishes such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead), atole (a traditional hot drink), chocolate, rice and mole, tamales, and aguas frescas. The children were thrilled to sample these delicious foods, which helped them understand the importance of food in Mexican culture and its role in the Day of the Dead celebration.
- Mexican Folk Art: Various activities engaged the children in creating their own art pieces, which not only sparked their creativity but also deepened their appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
- Marigold Decorations: Marigold flowers (cempasúchil) were used to decorate the ofrendas and graves, believed to guide the spirits with their vibrant color and scent. This was the children's FAVORITE part. The flowers were all grown on the Keewaydin farm. We started decorating by picking Marigolds straight from the plant and showing the kids how to weave them into the decorations. It was absolutely STUNNING! 🌼
- Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): Some people brought decorated sugar skulls, symbolizing the sweetness of life and the inevitability of death.
One of the most touching aspects of the event was the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I bumped into an old friend from over 15 years ago, and it was a reminder of how important these gatherings are for fostering connections and building a sense of community. These events provide a space for people to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories.
Overall, attending the Día de los Muertos celebration at Keewaydin Farms was a profoundly meaningful experience for the children. It provided them with a unique opportunity to learn about and participate in a beautiful cultural tradition, fostering a sense of community and connection that will stay with them for years to come. The event was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the importance of honoring our loved ones, both past and present.
