Free First Thursday: Día de los Muertos
Free First Thursday: Día de los Muertos
Latinos of Montclair and the Montclair Art Museum warmly invite you to our 2nd annual Día De Los Muertos community celebration. Be part of the festivities as we mark the end of Latino Heritage Month during this special Free First Thursday, presented by TD Bank.
Inspired by the breathtaking return of the Monarch Butterflies to Mexico each year, this year’s theme is Journey of Our Ancestors.
Join us in honoring the cherished belief of Indigenous communities like the Purépecha and Mazahua, who see Monarch butterflies as the returning souls of our ancestors
Latinos of Montclair invites everyone to contribute to the community altar that will be constructed for Día de los Muertos and represent our collective diversity, community culture, and desire to honor our ancestors. For information on how to contribute, click here.
Program
MERCADITO
5–9 p.m. | Leir Hall
Browse and shop at our vibrant Mercadito, featuring a curated group of Latino-owned vendors. Running throughout the night, this marketplace celebrates local talent and showcases the diversity and creativity of our community.
AFRO-PERUVIAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
5–9 p.m. | Community Gallery South
Adelina and Amador by photographer Jeannine Ferrand is a temporary photo exhibition that focuses on the Peruvian Ballumbrosio family, particularly the couple Amador and Adelina, who are of Afro descent. Amador Ballumbrosio was a skilled mason, a renowned violinist, percussionist, and dancer, who became an important figure in Afro-Peruvian music. The photographs are intimate portraits of the family, showcasing their social and cultural significance. In Peru, the Ballumbrosio family is now a symbol of Afro-Peruvian music. Presented by the Consulate General of Peru of Paterson, NJ.
ART ACTIVITY: FLOWER CROWN WORKSHOP
5:30–8:30 p.m. | Cornerstone Café
Join MAM instructors Emily and Peg Kenselaar to create beautiful flower crowns. All materials are provided and you'll leave with a handmade accessory you can wear for the rest of the night. Courtesy of TD Bank
THE HISTORY OF LATINOS IN MONTCLAIR
6–7 p.m. | Third Floor Lobby
Join Latinos of Montclair and the Montclair History Center for a roundtable conversation about the history of Latinos in Montclair.
PERUVIAN CAJON DEMO
6–8 p.m. | Geyer Studio
Today, the Cajon is considered part of Peru's national heritage and is mainly played in Afro-Peruvian music. Learn its history while trying your hand at playing this box-shaped percussion instrument. Presented by the Consulate General of Peru of Paterson, NJ.
DOCENT TOUR
6:15–7 p.m. | Meet at the Cornerstone Café
Enjoy a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable docents. This tour will focus on our exhibition, Interwoven
OPENING REMARKS
6:30 p.m. | Leir Hall
Join us for a special recognition as the President of the Essex County Commission honors Latinos of Montclair for their significant contributions and cultural impact on our community.
SKETCHING IN THE GALLERY
6:30–7:30 p.m. | Galleries
Explore your artistic side with a drop-in sketching in the galleries session. Pick up supplies in Lehman Court before finding a spot surrounded by some of the inspiring works of art on display.
PERFORMANCE BY MARIACHI REAL DE MEXICO
7–8 p.m. | Leir Hall
Get ready to dance to the vibrant sound of Mariachi Real De Mexico. Enjoy lively music as the band shares the best of their beautiful music and culture.
DOCENT TOUR
7:15–8 p.m. | Meet at the Cornerstone Café
Enjoy a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable docents. This tour will focus on our exhibition, 2024 New
ARTIST TALK WITH JOSE CAMACHO
7:30–8:15 p.m. | Meet at the Cornerstone Café
Hear from exhibiting artist Jose Camacho as he discusses his work Si dinga no hay mandinga (2022), currently on view in 2024 New
PERFORMANCE BY AFRO-CARIBBEAN ENSEMBLE FROM MSU CALI SCHOOL OF MUSIC
8–8:30 p.m. | Leir Hall
Take to the dance floor one last time for the Cali School of Music’s performance as they close out the night.
EAT & DRINK
- Cash (and credit) bar with a specialty drink + other beverages
- Food trucks at MAM’s side entrance (MozzArep & Tortas Lokas)
Latinos of Montclair's mission is to create a more inclusive community by uplifting the varied experiences of American Latinos, advocating for Latino rights and representation, supporting professional and educational advancement, and promoting the awareness and preservation of Latino culture and history.
The Consulate General of Peru in Paterson, with jurisdiction over the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, plays a vital role in the promotion of Peruvian culture, the protection of Peruvian citizens' rights abroad, and the strengthening of ties between Peru and local communities. In this context, the Consulate is pleased to present the photographic exhibition "Adelina and Amador" by photographer Jeannine Ferrand.
Free First Thursdays at MAM are a once-a-month party at the Museum made possible by the generous support of TD Bank! Enjoy free general admission, activities, food trucks, a cash bar, and so much more!