Elkhart County Historical Museum offers community ofrenda in celebration of Día de los Muertos
ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- Jennifer Blouin Policelli from the Elkhart County Historical Museum wanted to bring a Día de los Muertos celebration to Elkhart, recognizing that Latino immigrants make up a significant part of the community.
Starting today a community ofrenda, an altar that welcomes the spirits of loved ones, is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Saturday during museum hours.
Guests are encouraged to leave photos, flameless candles, flowers, food and drinks in closed containers, and decorations to honor loved ones, each item holding a deep significance.
"I think it's important to celebrate all of the traditions and histories of the people living here. This was kind of a spot we had been missing. We're trying to fill a gap with that and draw in a wider audience and be more represented by all the populations living here," Blouin Policelli said.
Alcohol, tobacco products, open flames, open food and drinks, and weapons are not allowed. Items may be picked up the following week.
The museum kicked off Día de los Muertos filled week last night with performances by the mariachi band Mariachi ECo and Goshen College professor Nayo Ulloa who explained the cultural roots of the holiday.
"It gives us an opportunity to remember our departed loved ones. There's something really special about inviting to come into your home or in this case, a public alter at the museum to commune with them, to remember them, to celebrate the cycle of life and death. There aren't many other places where we can get a chance to do that in our society, so I think that's a really unique aspect of this celebration and I'm excited to share it with Elkhart County," Blouin Policelli said.
The week will conclude with a Día de los Muertos family celebration day on Saturday. The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum will have various activity stations where families can take part in face painting, traditional crafts and learn about Día de los Muertos.
"There are so many reasons to come on out and take part in the ofrenda. Number one to remember someone from your life who is important who has passed on. It's a great way to remember that person and spend some time with that memory. It's also a great opportunity to learn about a culture that maybe you aren't familiar with if you're not Latino or Hispanic living in Elkhart County. These traditions have been brought here and they are integrated part of our community, but we're just trying to bring them more into the spotlight into the mainstream so that they can be appreciated, and we can learn more about them," Blouin Policelli said.