Revere Public Library Children’s Dept. celebrates Spanish custom

By The Advocate

Last Monday evening the Revere Public Library’s Children’s Department celebrated a traditionally Mexican holiday, Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The holiday is usually recognized on November 1 and 2, which aligns with the Christian holidays All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. In the Mexican tradition, a fiesta is associated with this day, and family members visit the graves of loved ones and honor their lives.

Esther Gomez, Director of the library’s Spanish Fun Program, and Karina Liendo of Karina Travel Connection brought this celebration to Revere, complete with a “gravesite” dedicated to their grandparents – decorated in cultural respect for their loved ones – telling the stories of the departed in both Spanish and English, bringing to life the spirit of the departed and allowing the children to take part in the ceremonial placing of sweet breads, marigolds and personal items of the deceased on the “gravesite.” This interaction made it very interesting and educational for the children, while fostering understanding of a natural part of life.