The Nacogdoches public library is holding a series of activities this week to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, replacing its annual festival. Library director Mercedes Franks said the events focus more on the holiday's cultural aspects. The holiday honors deceased family and friends through celebration and remembrance.
Franks said the week will focus heavily on decorations, including altars honoring authors and illustrators who have died since last year, as well as crafts and performances. The first event is a 5:30 p.m. sugar skull craft session at the library at 1112 North St. Other events include a Mexican loteria game night on Tuesday, a story time and a mariachi performance by Stephen F. Austin State University's Los Lenadores on Wednesday, and a PG-rated film on Friday.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, activities include a paint party, geode skulls and a performance by the Grupo De Danza Folklórica Mexicana Ketzaly dancers at 6 p.m. under the outdoor portico. Food trucks will be in the parking lot. All library programs are free. Registration also opens this month for the Dec. 21 Books from Santa event, where families can sign up children to receive a free book.