[photo credit: City of Pasadena]
The free workshop invites participants to craft Mexican marigolds while sharing personal stories that give meaning to the tradition. These vibrant flowers serve as pathways for departed loved ones during Día de los Muertos celebrations.
“Everything handmade is sacred,” the library’s promotional materials explain. “When we create, we infuse the essence of our ancestors and ourselves into our handiwork.”
Participants will create flowers for their own ofrendas, home altars, or contribute to the library’s community ofrenda. “Join us as we make flowers for our own ofrendas or home altars or the library’s community ofrenda and share our personal stories,” the library’s invitation reads.
The workshop reflects deeper cultural understanding of Mexican traditions, where marigolds guide spirits home to family altars. The event, sponsored by the Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, requires no registration and welcomes participants while supplies last.
Latino Heritage Month runs September 15 to October 15 each year, honoring Latino and Hispanic contributions in the United States. The library has embraced this celebration with programming connecting cultural traditions to community building.
Sacred Hands: Flower making cempasuchil (Mexican marigold) & Storytelling will run on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2-4 p.m. Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 744-7262 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D188421983. Ticket prices: Free
