DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library hosted its third annual DeKalb Day of the Dead celebration in honor of Día de los Muertos on Saturday.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. The holiday is used to honor and remember deceased loved ones, usually by setting up an ofrenda (offering), which includes pictures, flowers and personal items that represent the deceased.
This event was a day of remembrance and celebration, as many gathered in honor of their passed loved ones, and to take the time to showcase Mexican culture.
Many participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to represent their loved ones.
“This is very special to me, to my family, honoring and celebrating our loved ones that have passed on, and it’s just time to remember them,” said Esmeralda Mascote, a DeKalb resident.
DeKalb Day of the Dead was founded by Laura Anderson, the event coordinator and founder of Create Health Mobility Clinic, in hopes of offering the community an opportunity to learn more about Mexican culture while also spreading the culture within the DeKalb community.
“Day of the Dead is a very special holiday to me. I lost my grandmother and we always celebrated. We just didn’t celebrate traditionally, because we’re Mexican-American, so then I was like ‘I want to know more. I want to learn more and educate my community,’” Anderson said.
Various activities such as coloring calaveras (skulls), hitting piñatas and dance performances showcased some of the many aspects of Mexican culture. Many food trucks were also offered including Checo’s Tacos, Nina’s Tacos and Tako Sushi.
“I’ve lived here in DeKalb most of my life. It’s really nice to see the community just evolve and be more supportive,” said Kathia Morales, a DeKalb resident.
Many organizations attended the event including Safe Passage, a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center.
Another major organization at the event was the DeKalb Area Rapid Response Team (DARRT). DARRT was at the event offering information and advice to those who are afraid about being approached by ICE.
“There’s just an unprecedented attack on people of Hispanic descent,” said DARRT member Devin Wilcox. “Times when we can bring light and joy and show how amazing this culture is all the more important.”
Many other participants expressed the importance of showcasing Mexican culture in today’s world.
“I think given the situation or the circumstances we’re seeing, it’s not just celebrating our culture and celebrating Day of the Dead, but it’s also celebrating the diverse community that we are,” said Kristina Garcia, a resident and small business owner in Genoa, IL.
Garcia also highlighted the various participants who have traveled from outside of DeKalb to support this event.
“All of our different businesses that are here from all different parts of the county, I think if you look around we all work together,” she said. “We all support our community and we all really enjoy sharing a piece of our culture with all different areas, especially our customer base.”
Toward the end of the event, many dance performances took place for participants to watch. Flor De Café started off with a performance showcasing folk dancing. The performance was followed by Chispitas Bailarinas and a performance by Dimensions Dance Academy.
The event closed with an after hours concert by NIU Mariachi, filling the night with the rich sounds of Latin music and community celebration.
After the event, the message to be curious and prideful became clear to those who are afraid to represent. Araceli Lopez Abala, a school counselor at Huntley Middle school, discussed the message further and encouraged others to be more curious with Mexican culture.
“It almost feels like it’s illegal to show who you are. This type of event allows us to show others to be loud and proud,” she said. “Don’t approach this culture with ‘I know everything.’ Be curious. There’s so much more to us than tacos, banda and mariachi.”
Lopez Abala encouraged everyone to be proud no matter the circumstances.
“For anyone a part of this culture — Latino Americans, in general — be proud. Be proud of who you are,” she said.
Anderson shared her message to those who are interested in learning more about Mexican culture in the future.
“Come. I am so willing to teach. I want you to know more about who we are,” she said. “I want to teach you because I don’t want you to be scared.”
