A community altar or ofrenda will be constructed during the October 7th festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photograph, object, or a favorite food of a loved one who has passed away to place on the Ofrenda. Other traditional items include candles, marigolds, paper mache skulls, and natural elements. 

This year’s ofrenda dedication will be announced soon. 

Mexican Folk Artists, Andrea Muñiz, Gloria Alatorre, and Gabriela Marván will share the meaning of the ofrenda and guide participants in placing items on the alter. 

Marigolds or Cempasúchil are the  ceremonial flowers for the Día de los Muertos celebration. The fragrance is said to lead souls back to their loved ones. Keewaydin Farms will plant around 5,000 giant marigolds for the 3rd Annual Celebration, along with purple accent flowers like celosia and lavender. 

Guest artist, Julieta Zavala will collaborate with Gabriela Marván, Yesica Coria, and a group of volunteers to design and create dresses for 3 life-sized paper mache Catrinas which will be presented at the October 7th celebration and then travel on exhibition to the Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse and the Latino Ats Inc in Milwaukee. La Catrina is an icon of Día de los Muertos.

Julieta will have art for sale at the festival. 

Guest artist, Adam Correa, will lead participants in a painting tutorial and demonstration, presenting various ways to contribute to the mural, including simple stenciling which is accessible to all abilities. The mural will focus on a Mexican folk art theme in alignment with the ofrenda dedication. 

Guest artist, Alejandra Jiménez Marván, will perform a traditional Aztec Dance at the October 7th celebration. Ale will also give a talk about the meaning of the dance. 

The Consulate of Mexico in Milwaukee will present a traditional Lotería game for the community during the October 7th celebration.

The McIntosh Memorial Library will present a Bilingual story time and assist with kids activities. 

All ages are welcome to join.  

Alejandra Jiménez Marván and her husband Miguel from Semillitas – Spanish in Nature in Milwaukee will lead children’s art activities and perform a puppet show. Semillitas is a program which teaches children Spanish language through nature, games, songs, puppet shows, arts and crafts. 

Jessica Rodríguez is a Mexican American artist from Chicago. She is the founder of The Braided Janes, a band who advocates for social change. She will play music around the closing fire at the October 7th Celebration.