In continuing its expansion and long-term commitment with diversity and inclusion initiatives, the City of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development will celebrate “Dia de los Muertos” in partnership with the non-profit United Community Center of Westchester (UCCW) and the City’s Hispanic-American Advisory Board on Sunday, October 30. 

Dia de los Muertos, known as Day of the Dead, is viewed as an important annual cultural celebration[GK1]  for Mexican families who welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes a celebration. The living family members acknowledge the deceased as honored guests in their celebrations and leave the deceased’s favorite foods and other specialty offerings at gravesites or on the “ofrendas” (altars) built inside each family’s home.

The New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development is sponsoring this year’s event. For the past seven years, UCCW has been celebrating “Dia de los Muertos” by making an altar and hosting gatherings to share in this cultural and communal celebration. This year’s event will include[GK2]  music, traditional dishes, beautiful folkloric rhythms, masks workshops and other activities.  

“The Dia de Los Muertos event is one of the most recognizable traditions across so many cultures where an Ofrenda (Spanish for offering) serves as the collection of offerings dedicated to the person being honored,” said Adam Salgado, Development Commissioner of the City of New Rochelle and the Executive Director of the New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development.  “As the city continues to rapidly grow across sectors, it is also important that we celebrate the multicultural diversity that New Rochelle represents and that our programming is reflective of the diverse communities across our city.’

“I am thrilled to see the transformation of the City of New Rochelle while preserving the rich powerful history and the cultural contributions of this diverse community. We are grateful to the City of New Rochelle's Development Commissioner for the support and collaboration to carry out this beautiful event. Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead you will see as you walk through the Ruby Dee Park, exquisite threads that create tapestries that focus on legacies, families, and the beauty of our Latino cultures mixed into a Mexican tradition,” said Jackie Agudelo, Founder/ Executive Director of United Community Center of Westchester.

“As Council Member, it is my privilege to work diligently to make our city stronger, more inclusive and more innovative,” said Council Member Ivar Hyden (D-4) and the Vice Chair of the New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development.  “The City of New Rochelle thrives because we all are working to promote cultural expansion for the benefit of all of our residents and business community.” 

“As a proud Mexican-American Latina, I know how important Dia de Los Muertos is for my family and others alike,” said Council Member Martha López-Hanratty (D-1). “The beautiful city of New Rochelle is viewed by so many as a melting pot of cultures and diversity. We are happy to share our wonderful tradition with the entire community.”

To continue to build upon its long-term commitment and vision for all New Rochelle residents, visitors and the community, the City of New Rochelle continues to create innovative community engagement and economic development opportunities to benefit all. This year’s “Dia de los Muertos” event is yet another example of their commitment. 

Through NRVR, the City’s community engagement platform, New Rochelle residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback about the City’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) projects, especially The LINC project, and how they can help shape the City’s future at the event. 

This event will be held both outdoors and indoors on Saturday, October 30 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the New Rochelle Library and at Ruby Dee Park both located adjacent to one another at 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY in downtown New Rochelle.

About the City of New Rochelle:

With its unparalleled location, superb quality of life, diverse and talented residents and a focused business climate, New Rochelle is experiencing the transformation of a generation. The City’s current economic development plan will provide a spark for the entire Hudson Valley region, positioning the city as “open for business” and embracing smart, transit-oriented development growth patterns that promotes open space, its close proximity to New York City and opportunities for businesses to rebound, recover and succeed in the current economic climate. 

Accelerated by a new, fast-track zoning process along with resources for small businesses and micro enterprises, the ongoing Master Development initiative will continue to enhance the downtown area by supporting job creation, property values and private investment – while enhancing sustainability and livability through green and energy-efficient design. For more information on why New Rochelle is ideally yours, please visit https://www.ideallynewrochelle.com.

About United Way Community Westchester (UWCW): 

United Community Center of Westchester, Inc. (UCCW) was created in 2005 is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit community-based organization, with the purpose to provide quality social, economic, and community development services to those who face financial, educational, health, language, or cultural barriers. UCCW is community-oriented, welcoming people of all ages and diverse cultures, and has an open-door facility where people can walk in and feel comfortable addressing their circumstances. Their work involves a blend of direct service provision, advocacy, and educational empowerment. Focusing on their client's immediate needs, they devote time and patience to ensure their clients are understood and guided accordingly. UCCW's aim is to strengthen the neighborhood by building partnerships to invest and develop permanent solutions that empower low-income individuals and families to overcome obstacles.