From the organizers of Dia de Muertos:
By Montserrat Franco Rojas and Chris Sheehan
History tells us…
In Mexico, Nov. 1st and 2nd marks the Día de Muertos celebration. It is a time of year when
death is commemorated through vibrant expressions of life, including color, music, food, and love.
It is a time when people come together to honor our loved ones who have passed on, and with a positive attitude and spirit, visit our departed at grave sites or wait for them at home, singing songs and preparing their favorite dishes, and eagerly await their return for just one night.
Families and friends commemorate our loved ones by crafting an Ofrenda, an altar with pictures, favorite foods, beverages, flowers and candles for the loved ones that are being remembered.
Traditionally, Ofrendas are made either at home, or on a bigger scale through a community altar. Sometimes, as part of the tradition, people turn the gravesites of their loved ones into an Ofrenda and spend all night celebrating with the afterlife.
How it began in Morristown…
For the last two years, Morristown embraced this cultural celebration on a small scale with local businesses sprouting up Ofrendas at a few locations. Then, activities were organized throughout the town, highlighting the significance of this Mexican tradition and spreading awareness to the community.
The success of the first two years prompted organizers in Morristown to take this celebration to the next level.
What changed in 2024?
Under the leadership of Beenie´s Ice Cream, Central Taqueria, The Artist Baker and The Morris Museum, the event expanded for two days of celebration this month, adding a Saturday event at the museum that crystallized the community engagement.
On Nov. 1, we had the Ofrendas Walking Tour. Local restaurants such as Central
Taqueria, The Artist Baker and Órale, as well as St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, created beautifully decorated altars to pay homage to departed souls.
Additionally, The Learning Express, The Teaching Room, Beenie’s Ice Cream, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and The Morristown &Township Library arranged special events where children and families engaged in Día de Muertos story time, colorful crafts and graceful dance classes.
Each stop along the way offered an enriching experience for families and friends. On Nov. 2, the Morris Museum hosted the closing ceremony Family Fiesta.
During October, Spanish teachers and students at the Red Oaks School crafted Ofrenda elements that would cover an entire wall of the museum entryway .
The museum also hosted workshops where members of the community created personal decorations to add to the massive Ofrenda, which included butterflies, mythical creatures known as alebrijes, cherished family members and beloved pets.
Visitors also had the opportunity to discover unique Mexican artisanal crafts with a guided tour of the exhibit Voices: Mid-century Oaxacan Embroidery and Weaving, from the museum’s permanent collection; and the showcase of Solano EXP’s Mexican Art Gallery of Montclair. It perfectly captured the essence of Dia de Muertos, allowing visitors to take a piece of this celebration home.
As day two concluded, the audience was enchanted by the mesmerizing and soulful harmonies of a Mariachi performance — an essential part of the cultural fabric of Mexican communities — sponsored by the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Throughout the day’s wonderful activities, Beenie’s, Central Taqueria, and Sweet Love’s Churros gave away their flavorful food offerings.
The Mexican in the room thinks …
The significance of Día de Muertos was fully embraced in Morristown. We were honored to be part of the project team in charge of Día de Muertos, and the vision we had for this celebration was captured perfectly by the community. It was quite touching to see people from different cultures learning and embracing Día de Muertos.
We loved hearing everyone share personal stories and beloved memories, and shedding some happy tears, knowing their loved ones were honored and remembered for the amazing life they had. Dia de Muertos is an opportunity to express our pride and love for our loved ones. We are sure they are receiving that message in the afterlife.
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What a great night! MMT Library had a blast and we’re already looking forward to next year!