SAGINAW, MI — The Saginaw Art Museum (SAM) invites the community to join in a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration on November 2. This traditional Mexican holiday, which takes place on November 1 and 2, honors deceased loved ones through the creation of altars, or ofrendas, adorned with photos, marigolds, and other meaningful items. SAM’s event will run from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with various activities planned throughout the day.
Guests are welcome to contribute to the community altar by adding photos of their deceased loved ones. On October 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can bring a 4×6 photo of a friend or family member to SAM, where they will have the opportunity to decorate a matte frame with materials like tissue paper, paint, and marigolds. These photos will be displayed on the community altar from November 2 through November 9, alongside other ofrendas. Participants can retrieve their photos between November 13 and November 16 during museum hours.
The Dia de los Muertos event will feature traditional elements, including face painting, art-making activities, and educational videos on the holiday’s significance. Maria’s Food Truck will be on-site from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering a taste of Mexican cuisine to complement the celebration.
The event is free and open to the public, thanks to support from local sponsors such as Hemlock Semiconductor, Dow, Huntington Bank, and others. SAM also extends special thanks to Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development (LLEAD) and Maria’s Mexican Restaurant for their contributions.
For those interested in immersing themselves in the rich cultural traditions of Dia de los Muertos, this event offers a chance to honor loved ones and celebrate with the community. SAM’s ofrendas will remain on display until November 9, allowing visitors additional time to experience this heartfelt tribute.
For more details, visit the Saginaw Art Museum’s website or call the museum directly.
