A middle school Spanish teacher is putting the final touches on The Day of the Dead Festival set for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Columbia Park in Shreveport.
Janine Demerath celebrated All Saints’ Day in her native Ecuador. She remembers visiting the cemetery with family members. But it wasn’t until she came to the U.S. years ago that she learned about Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico. It was a fiesta.
“I think I discovered the celebration because I’m a Spanish teacher. A lot of Spanish teachers are involved with different holidays that are colorful and get the kids very interested. I started learning about this celebration, and I love it,” Demerath said.
Demerath is director of the organization Voces Castellanas. A tightknit group of local language teachers and other volunteers have been organizing Dia de los Muertos in Shreveport for nine years. Demerath says Columbia Park will be adorned with a dozen little alters made by her students. There will be two large alters honoring the late singer Selena and Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
“You cannot imagine the happiness I get when I see a Mexican family walking into the park and the parents light up and they say, ‘I am so glad I can show my kids part of our tradition,’” Demerath said.
The Day of the Dead Festival is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia Park, 600 Columbia Street. There will be family crafts, like sugar skull making, traditional dances, music and games.
