The community room at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road, will be transformed into a Day of the Dead for Everyone Festival Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Customers of all ages are invited to visit the library, enjoy free programs and observe the occasion.
In addition to a goblins and skeletons puppet show by the San Diego Guild of Puppetry, there will be a dance performance by the Ballet Folklórico Xóchitl, foam skull and face-painting crafts, music and refreshments.
“This is a meaningful occasion for people of Hispanic descent, but commemorating the dead is common to a lot of countries.” said Branch Manager Hildie Kraus. “It’s a great opportunity to come together, celebrate our loved ones and have fun at the same time.” Many cultures celebrate the dead and remember them with different rituals. In Poland, people visit cemeteries Nov. 2 and place candles on the graves.
Halloween is a related holiday, as is Samhain, an ancient Celtic tradition. In Japan, this occasion is called the Bon Festival, observed by Buddhists.
For more information on the Day of the Dead event at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library, contact branch staff at 619-475-4642.
