Community Gathers to Honor Loved Ones at Kentucky Museum
Bowling Green, Kentucky — In a heartfelt effort to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed away, the Kentucky Folklife Program is hosting a community ofrenda at the Kentucky Museum. This traditional altar, in honor of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), invites community members to come together to honor their family traditions and share stories about those they have lost.
Understanding Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is a traditional holiday that is celebrated from October 31 to November 2, primarily in Mexico and among Mexican-American communities. The event involves creating altars adorned with photographs, food, music, and other cherished items. These altars welcome the spirits of loved ones, so they can return to share in the celebration of life with their families.
The ofrenda at the Kentucky Museum showcases the beauty of this tradition, giving residents the opportunity to display items that represent their loved ones. Items such as pictures, sentimental objects, and even fake foods and flowers are welcome to be included on the altar, creating a colorful and meaningful space for remembrance.
Inspiration Behind the Ofrenda
Camille Acosta, a folklore specialist from El Paso, Texas, is leading the organization of the ofrenda. Acosta, who is also a WKU alumna, felt inspired to recreate this tradition when she experienced homesickness while living in Kentucky. “I was just missing home,” Acosta shared. “I think you get these little moments of, ‘Man, I miss this. I miss the food, I miss the smells, I miss people.’”
Acosta grew up with a strong connection to her Mexican heritage thanks to her father, who immigrated from Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico. This connection spurred her love for folklore and storytelling, especially tales that revolve around cultural traditions. “My dad has always loved a scary story,” she described. “He loves horror. He loves monsters. Just right before bed, here’s this terrifying story.”
Creating Connections through Tradition
One of Acosta’s goals for the ofrenda is to foster a sense of community and understanding among people from different backgrounds. “There is that semblance of togetherness that transcends borders and hatred,” Acosta said. She believes that conversations sparked by sharing stories of ancestors can build bridges among the diverse community of Bowling Green.
“This specific ofrenda invites people to talk about, you know, who is this picture of your grandpa?” Acosta added. This opportunity for dialogue and sharing helps create ties between students and community members, allowing everyone to honor their losses collectively.
Visiting the Ofrenda
The community ofrenda at the Kentucky Museum is open to the public from Wednesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until November 2. Residents are encouraged to donate items for the altar to help enrich the memory and celebration of loved ones. A full list of items that can be donated is available on the Kentucky Folklife Program’s website.
This celebration serves as an inclusive space for everyone, regardless of their cultural background, to engage with the tradition of remembering those who have passed away. It brings the community together in a beautifully festive way, enhancing the shared experience of love, loss, and remembrance.
For those interested in participating, visiting the Kentucky Museum provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on personal histories while connecting with others in the community.
