The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the Latinx community, as well as other communities of color. This year, we are remembering the names, faces, and stories of Latinx Iowans who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19 with Día de los Muertos: Recuerdos. (Videos produced by Vince Valdez)

A memorial slide show honoring lives lost to COVID-19 of names of loved ones submitted to the Des Moines Art Center.

Una presentación de diapositivas conmemorativas en honor a las vidas perdidas por COVID-19 con los nombres de los seres queridos presentados al Centro de Arte de Des Moines.

  • Free Day of the Dead Activity Kits

    Free Day of the Dead Activity Kits will be available for families wishing to learn more about the tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed. Kits will be available at local Des Moines Public Library branches (Central, East, Forest, Franklin, North, and South) on Monday, October 25 through Saturday, October 31, pick up during open hours while supplies last.

    Pick up your Day of the Dead Activity Kit, including:

    • Materials and instructions for creating tissue paper flowers and decorative frames
    • Learn about the significance of the monarch butterfly in Mexican culture
    • Milkweed seeds for you to grow for monarchs to eat
    • List of Latinx authors for related reading
    • And more!

  • Paper Flower Making

    Paper flowers are a common decoration used in Day of the Dead celebrations. Follow along with artist Justin Favela and learn how to make paper flowers like those used in the “Community Garden” element of his exhibition Justin Favela: Central American.

    Las Flores de papel son una decoración común utilizada en las celebraciones del Día de Muertos. Siga las instrucciones del artista Justin Favela y aprenda a hacer flores de papel como las que se usan en el elemento “Jardín Comunitario” de la exhibición de Justin Favela: Centroamericano.