MONETT, Mo. — About 275 people gathered Saturday at the Monett YMCA to celebrate Latino culture during a Día de los Muertos event organized by the Monett Missouri Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Nov. 7 celebration brought families together to share food, music and activities centered on family history and remembering ancestors.
Participants displayed photographs of family members who had died, worked on family trees and took part in games involving family history and scripture. Other activities included face painting, themed clothing and stickers, singing and visiting with other families.
Latino food also was served during the event.
The celebration was sponsored by the Monett Missouri Stake, led by President Paul Fields, a Carthage resident.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition in which families remember and honor loved ones who have died. The observance is associated with family gatherings, photographs, food and other traditions that celebrate the lives and memories of ancestors.
Organizers said participants enjoyed the celebration and are looking forward to the next gathering.
