ALMAS hosts 2nd annual Día De Muertos celebration
The Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs, known as ALMAS, will host the second annual “Día de Muertos: Celebrating Community and Life” from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court.
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition in Mexico and across Latin America that celebrates life, memories and the connections with those who have died, a news release from ALMAS said.
The free, family-friendly event features music, dance, art, food and a celebration of culture. It is open to the entire community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or language, organizers said.
Participants can view artistic displays, walk through a mock cemetery featuring traditional alters that honor loved ones, or add to a community art piece by coloring a monarch and dedicating it to someone who has died, the release said.
Face painting with traditional skull motifs will be available and local artisan crafts sold. Children’s activities, including crafts and sugar skull decorating, will be available from 2 to 6 p.m.
Live performers include Danzantes Unidos Mitotiliztli, Juan Diego Rojas, Nahui Ollin, Aldo Lopez and La Merazh, Mariachi Los Pumas, Elizette Hernandez and Ballet Folklórico Quetzalcoatl.
For more information, go to the ALMAS Facebook page.
Shoreline stabilization project along Riverwalk planned
The Naperville Park District’s shoreline stabilization project along the West Branch of the DuPage River is to start before the end of this year, district officials said.
During the project, expected to be completed by next summer, sections of the Riverwalk may be closed on a temporary basis, district officials said.
The work is needed in the area between Jefferson Avenue and the Jaycee playground, where the the shoreline has has eroded, the release said. Stabilization will benefit the structural integrity of the existing paver walk.
Signs will be erected and residents alerted via social media when closures are required.
Send questions about the project can be sent to Peggy Motta at pmotta@napervilleparks.org. For information about the district’s restoration projects, go to www.napervilleparks.org/restorationprojects.
Metea Valley High School Theater to present ‘Puffs’
Metea Valley High School Theater will perform “Puffs,” a wacky take on the wizarding world of Harry Potter, at 7 p.m. Nov. 14-16 in the school’s auditorium, 1801 N. Eola Road, Aurora.
There also will present a 2 p.m. matinee performance Saturday, Nov. 16, featuring the understudy cast.
“Puffs” tells the tale of Wayne Hopkins, a boy from New Mexico who learns he is a wizard. When he arrives at the wizarding school, he is placed into Puffs, a group of well-meaning rejects. During his time, he will try to learn magic while also trying to not get hurt.
General admission is $10. Students and seniors are $5.
Tickets can be bought in advance at www.meteavalleytheater.org.
Theater directors ask that the audience arrives at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the show.