LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Over 6,000 paper butterflies took over the Sahara West Library – they’re all part of a Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, altar that is drawing in visitors of all backgrounds to stop and remember.
“This is really a celebration of life, not death. It really connects us back to our ancestors and the people who were close to us. All those beautiful memories, and I think that’s why it’s so important,” said Isaias Hiram Urrabazo, a local artist.
For many, Dia de Los Muertos is a sacred Mexican tradition, a time when families believe the spirits of loved ones return to share in culture and memories.
“And then you see the monarch butterflies around here, we believe that the monarch butterfly brings the spirits of our loved ones back,” Urrabazo said.
The ofrenda titled “The Return” was created by Urrabazo and his family, who said the project is about helping people connect with their roots.
“It’s so beautiful to be here and that so many different types of people walk in here and encounter this that is welcoming them, not just Latinos, but everybody,” he said.
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District partnered with Urrabazo to bring the altar to life. What started as an idea quickly turned into a large-scale installation.
“And being able to support something culturally like this to let us know that our local community, but also the citywide community, this is something they can come here,” said programming specialist Gene Smith.
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