Special to the Times-Free Press
Thousands of people had the opportunity to celebrate El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a 3-day celebration honoring and remembering community loved ones who have passed away. The celebration took place from Sunday, October 29, through Thursday, November 2.
“El Dia de los Muertos,” New England’s largest (Day of the Dead) Celebration, is a thoughtful observance of death in our lives and supports community cohesion and local businesses in the Central Square and Liberty Square districts organized by the Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC), including the traditional “Celebrate Life” Festival and the Catrina’s Parade.
This year was extra special since VROCC is celebrating its tenth anniversary, bringing this rich tradition to East Boston. VROCC also partnered with the ICA Watershed to present a one-of-its-kind Day of the Dead Altars exhibit created by local artists and community members, VROCC also partnered with Illuminus Boston to offer a unique Light Show and DS4SI to bring the celebration to Dorchester and activate the Community Altar.
All events around El dia de los Muertos were admission free and accessible to all age groups and fosters intergenerational conversations among the community members though community workshops on healing and resilience, dance and healing circles at the Community Altar at Central Square Park.
Boston Public Schools students had the opportunity to visit the exhibit and engaged with the altars through guided tours, bilingual activity cards, interactive workshops, and multimedia. Veronica Robles and members of her Mariachi band close the celebration with a special performance at the ICA Watershed.
Our purpose is to create a safe space for community members to explore themes of life and death and learn more about the Day of the Dead celebration.
Members of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership program “Dancing Elotes,” which integrates arts and culture with business education and practical entrepreneurial experience while learning the skills needed to run a business and produce events like El Dia de los Muertos, actively participated in this festival in decision making and leadership roles.
VROCC programs are supported in part by the Cultural Investment Grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Cummings Foundations, and Shlomo Fund.
Visit VROCC social media to see photos and videos @vroccboston, to find out about upcoming events and register visit the official website site www.vrocc.org.