Milwaukee’s thriving Mexican community celebrates Day of the Dead at Latino Arts

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — While many people are preparing for Halloween, another big holiday is just around the corner: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

“This is my passion: keeping dancing and traditions alive and bringing our traditions to other places where we probably don’t see them,” said Alejandra Jimenez Marvan, director of the Mexican folk dance group Ometochtli.

Hispanic residents make up 12 percent of Milwaukee’s population, but within that group, nearly 68 percent of them identify as Mexican.

To honor this rich history, Latino Arts celebrates the traditional holiday in a special way.

“It is important for us to provide an authentic representation of such an important celebration that is rooted in culture, history and much more,” said Jacobo Lovo, executive artistic director of Latino Arts.

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From colorful to darker ofrendasor offerings, highlight the various altars that families across Milwaukee design and decorate to honor their lost loved ones.

Latino Arts Executive Artistic Director Jacobo Lovo says that while each piece tells its own story, their goal is to ensure that it is respected.

“We know that cultural appropriation is a real thing. We want to make sure people understand the authenticity and history of this beautiful celebration and how important it is to the community,” Lovo said.

Another way to do this this season is through the Lunch and Learn program.

On October 25, local choreographer Alejandra Jimenez Marvan will perform a traditional piece Copal Ceremony honoring the four elements and their connection to our lost loved ones.

“We feel really connected. There is just something in our genes or our blood that calls us and is also a way to bring back our traditions and keep them alive,” said Jimenez Marvan.

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