On November 6th, 2021, students in Dr. Walker’s Migration and Community class hosted a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Village Library of Cooperstown. Under the guidance of project directors Sydney Baker ’22 and Hannah Deschenes ‘22, students developed a creative program that encouraged intercultural interaction, Spanish language awareness, and pride in Latinx heritage. An event run annually by the Cooperstown Graduate Program, this year’s celebration saw record turnout with over a hundred attendees.
Dr. Walker and students pose in front of the altar, or ofrenda, at the Village Library of Cooperstown
Día de Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” has its origins in Latin American Indigenous religious festivals. The celebration centers around the idea that death is not an ending, and that deceased loved ones still play an active role in the lives of the living. Today, Día de Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd and is a time of great liveliness and joy for all involved.
David Gain '22 guides attendees through the process of paper flower folding
To ensure relevancy and authenticity, students engaged with community partners throughout the development of the program. Members of the local Latinx community provided insight on their own personal Día de Muertos practices and experiences with the holiday. Thanks to the Village Library of Cooperstown, New York Folklore, the Yager Museum, and to all who assisted us in developing the program.
Sydney Baker '22 and Carlene Bermann '22 have some fun playing Lotería with attendees