On Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM children of all ages are invited to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos early with hands-on activities at the Silver City Museum.

On Saturday afternoon, you are invited to create your own unique mask to celebrate Halloween, and to come in your Halloween costume! The now popular custom of wearing costumes and masks was imported to America from European immigrants, particularly the Irish. Traditionally, masks were worn when leaving the house on All Hallow's Eve so that individuals would not be bothered by the spirits who visited the earth. At the end of the activity, you will have your own spooky mask, just in time for trick-or-treating!

On Sunday afternoon, you are invited to create tissue paper marigolds and join in a bilingual story time. Marigolds are used to guide the spirits of loved ones to ofrendas, which are altars celebrating their life and favorite things. The museum will also host a bilingual story time reading of The Spirt of Tío Fernando: a Day of the Dead Story by Janice Levy. After these activity, you will have marigolds for an ofrenda for your home, or for the community ofrenda altar at the Silver City Museum this Día de los Muertos! There will also be an opportunity to win a copy of The Spirit of Tío Fernando: a Day of the Dead Story!

This hands-on activity is open to children of all ages and is free, though a $5 donation is suggested to support further museum activities. Materials for each hands-on activity will be provided; registration is suggested to ensure enough materials are provided. You can register by emailing education@silvercitymuseum.org or calling (575) 538 -5921.