FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Holland Museum Welcomes More Than 700 Visitors to Día de los Muertos Celebration

HOLLAND, Mich. (October 26, 2026) – The Holland Museum is pleased to announce that more than 700 people attended its annual Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, October 24, 2026, making it the Museum's most successful community cultural event of the year and one of the most well-attended Día de los Muertos celebrations in the Museum’s history.

Families and visitors of all ages gathered at the Museum’s Armory building to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant Mexican and Latin American tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away. Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed traditional music and dance performances, hands-on art activities, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about the customs and meanings behind the holiday. Partners for the event were Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and Cultureworks. Participating schools included Holland West, Holland Heights, Jefferson Elementary, Holland Language Academy, Black River Public Schools, and Hamilton High School. The event was sponsored by Downtown Holland.

"We were thrilled to have welcomed more than 700 guests to the Holland Museum for this year's Día de los Muertos celebration," said Michelle Stempien, Executive Director at the Holland Museum. "The incredible turnout reflects our community's enthusiasm for cultural experiences that bring people together, foster understanding, and celebrate the many traditions that enrich Holland. The Holland Museum is proud to be a trusted partner to LAUP, our local schools, and other organizations who helped produce this year’s event.”

A centerpiece of the event was the community ofrendas, or memorial altars, where visitors placed photographs and mementos honoring family members and friends. Many attendees also participated in printmaking, hair braiding and more that highlighted the history and significance of the holiday.

The Holland Museum extends its gratitude to the performers, volunteers, community partners, sponsors, and staff members whose support helped make the event possible.

As the Museum continues its mission of preserving and sharing the stories of the Holland community, events such as Día de los Muertos create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect through culture, history, and shared experiences.

About the Holland Museum

The Holland Museum preserves and shares the stories of Holland, Michigan, through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement. By connecting people to the history, culture, and experiences that have shaped the region, the Museum inspires curiosity, understanding, and meaningful dialogue across generations.

For information about upcoming exhibitions, programs, and events, visit www.hollandmuseum.org.