Marshalltown will have its first official Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, event on Nov. 2.

Held at Midnight Garden, the free event will bring people and families together to celebrate culture while providing an education and access to resources which might not be attainable to some.

Organizer Luisa Ortega, owner of Midnight Garden, said Dia de los Muertos is a designated time of the year when people celebrate loved ones by remembering them.

“We do this by creating an ofrenda [altar] or offering that includes things that they enjoyed like foods and beverages,” she said. “Ofrendas usually include elements of earth, wind, water and fire.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their loved ones picture and a short biography. Day of the Dead bread will be supplied by Lara’s Bakery, and the Midnight Garden will have Mexican hot chocolate available. Ortega said Yessy’s Creations will have photo opportunities with “Coco” movie characters. Catrinas or skeleton figures will be present, and people are encouraged to arrive in costume. Guadalupe Gomez from ReMax Realtor will provide picture frames for children to decorate. Day of the Dead Masks for children will be provided by Adriana’s Agency.

Also at the event will be live performances by Mariachi las Aguilera, Banda La Batallosa and Los Chinelos.

Ortega said Dia de los Muertos has become a blend of traditional indigenous celebrations of loved ones with All Souls Day of Catholicism.

“November is also a special time in Mexico since that is when the monarch butterflies return to Mexico,” she said. “Many of our ancestors believed that the souls of our loved ones returned in the form of a butterfly.”

Because of the remembrance of departed loved ones, Ortega added Dia de los Muertos tends to be filled with strong emotions. Yet it is combined with laughter and music as emotions are tied to music.

“This celebration would not be complete without live music, laughter, story telling and honoring the memories of our loved ones that have passed,” Ortega said.

She believes it is people’s way of keeping their loved one’s memories alive.

“We want to continue letting the world know who these special people were,” Ortega said. “These special people shaped us into who we are or influenced us to be who we are, and we want to honor that by sharing it with others. Just because their physical body is gone does not mean their words of wisdom, their love, their laughter and the support is gone.”

Holding an official Day of the Dead event in Marshalltown is something Ortega has wanted to do since opening the Midnight Garden in 2022.

“It is a challenge to start something new especially in the fall which is my busiest month,” she said.

This year presented a unique opportunity for Ortega to turn it into reality when Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Marshalltown Executive Director Austin Gillis asked her about a collaboration on Nov. 2.

“I was delighted and shared my idea of Day of the Dead,” she said. “We decided it was a win-win for everyone including our beloved pets.”

Attendees will receive free vouchers for vaccines and microchipping for pets. The event will serve as outreach for the ARL with donation boxes.

“After covering only the basic costs of hosting, all donations received will directly support the ARL’s mission,” she said.

After shared costs are recovered, the Garden will retain proceeds from food and beverage sales. Ortega said this way, attendees can feel confident their donations are going straight to animal care and community programs, while also supporting the Garden.

Ortega plans on making Dia de los Muertos a yearly event if the community shows support.

“I have been involved in community events since I was 17, and believe that our community is enriched by opportunities to come together and celebrate,” she said.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com