community celebrations:
On Saturday, November 1, the museum will be transformed by Community Celebrations that are memorable, beautiful, and deeply rooted in cultural significance. This year, two ceremonies presented by Alice Mendoza will be held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with free tickets required to attend. The day begins with a joyful procession of children dressed as butterflies, leading guests along a flower-lined path into a museum vibrant with music, art, and activity.
At the heart of the celebration is a traditional ofrenda—a colorful, multi-paneled shrine created by artist Araceli Cruz—where visitors are invited to add mementos and stories honoring loved ones who have passed on. Guests can enjoy samples of champurrado (traditional Mexican hot chocolate) and pan de muerto, participate in make-and-take art activities, receive traditional face painting, and listen to strolling musicians performing Mexican folk songs.
GUEST BIO:
Alice Mendoza is a retired Bainbridge teacher and winner of the 2008 Island Treasure award. She continues to serve the Kitsap community through volunteer work in schools and other organizations. She is a lead organizer of BIMA’s annual Día de Los Muertos celebrations.
Schedule of events:
10:45 AM – Guests gather for the butterfly procession from KiDiMu to BIMA.
11:00 AM – First Ceremony (ticket required)
Free bread & chocolate available until 12:30 PM
Live music during ceremony window
12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Art activities & face painting in the classroom (begin right after the first ceremony and continue all afternoon)
Día de los Muertos videos playing in the Auditorium
2:45 PM – Guests gather for the butterfly procession from KiDiMu to BIMA.
3:00 PM – Second Ceremony (ticket required)
Free bread & chocolate available until 4:30 PM
Live music during ceremony window