Skulls and Bones

Although el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead or, as some call its Christian counterpart, All Saints Day) is most commonly recognized as a Mexican holiday, the colorful celebration is revered throughout Latin America and the United States. And over the past five years, the staff at the Fort Collins Public Library has made an effort to recognize that pan-Latino diversity during its annual Muertos events.

This weekend's event brings Cuban and flamenco dancing, an award-winning Ecuadoran author, the crafting of Guatemalan worry dolls, and traditional Mexican food, in addition to the altars made by local residents. The altars are on display at the library’s main branch, 201 Peterson St. Call 416-2012 for more.

Still not sure what this sugar-and-skeleton-filled day is all about? Join Jimena Peña, the library’s bilingual outreach coordinator, on November 1 (the actual Día de los Muertos) for a presentation on the history of the holiday in the East and West conference rooms of Front Range Community College’s Larimer campus, 4616 S. Shields St. in Fort Collins, starting at 10:30 a.m. Altars created by students in FRCC’s Death and Dying psychology class will also be on display until 3:30 p.m. in the Longs Peak Student Center. Call 204-8694 for more or to register an altar. — Vanessa Martinez