Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Te Māhanga Karori Library
Cuentacuentos is our monthly Spanish storytime at Te Māhanga Karori and on Saturday 2 November it's all about Día de los Muertos! Come along for a special session with books, songs, and hot chocolate!
Día de los Muertos is a special tradition from Mexico and Latin America that brings families together to celebrate life and memory.
Join us on Saturday 2 November at 11 am at Te Māhanga Karori Library to celebrate this beautiful tradition with stories, songs, crafts and games that honour our loved ones memories.
Beatriz Guerra, coordinator of the Tertulia Literaria in Wellington, will share Mexican traditions and show us how to set up an altar. If you’d like, you can bring a photo of a loved one to make an offering.
The whole family is welcome!
About Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos takes place on 1 and 2 November, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Families come together to remember those who have died, believing that during this time, the spirits can return to the world of the living.
Altars and ofrendas, are set up in homes and cemeteries with offerings such as photos, candles, marigold flowers, incense, and the favourite foods of the deceased. These items are meant to guide the spirits back to visit their families.
Get Involved: Meaningful Activities and Traditions
Papel Picado (Cut Paper Decorations)
Papel picado is a traditional Mexican folk art made by cutting patterns into tissue paper. You can create your own colourful papel picado banners to hang up as decorations. Fold tissue paper in half and cut designs along the folded edge, such as flowers or skulls, then string them together to display.
Sugar Skull Colouring or Decorating
Create or colour your own sugar skull designs using printable templates or white clay to mold and decorate. Use bright colors, glitter, and markers to bring these iconic skulls to life. For younger children, colouring is a simple way to enjoy the activity.
Mini Ofrenda (Personal Altar)
Set up a small personal ofrenda using a shoebox or small table. Decorate it with pictures, paper flowers, and items that remind you of someone special. It’s a great way to connect with the tradition on a more personal level.
