The air was filled with color, music and pride in downtown Springdale last Saturday, Nov. 6, as the Hispanic community there and in the surrounding towns celebrated the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, combining the traditional activities that commemorate the day with a cycling event hosted by the non-profit organization Latinas en Bici.
Arkansas Latinas en Bici hosted their second annual Día de Los Muertos Bike Ride at Shiloh Square in Springdale, in an effort to highlight the important tradition in Latin America to remember relatives that have passed away. Starting in 2019, the organization promotes social cycling in multicultural communities in Northwest Arkansas to create healthy habits, diversity and inclusion in the community. According to its website, “Arkansas Latinas en Bici is … a non-profit organization with more than 100 members all over Northwest Arkansas, and it keeps growing.” The group is open to non-Hispanic cyclists as well. “Everyone is welcome without distinction of color, race, language, national background, economic condition or whatever else. We want everybody that comes to our group to feel accepted and welcomed,” according to the Arkansas Latinas en Bici website.
The bike event started at 10 a.m., where cyclists followed an 11-mile route around Lake Fayetteville. Throughout the ride, there were three stops where cyclists could learn about the traditions that occur in Latin America during the holiday. As explained by the event organizers, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of life and death. Families across Mexico and other countries such as Ecuador and Guatemala welcome back the souls of their dead family members. “In Mexico, the living relatives make an altar decorated with marigold flowers and family photos, food and drinks for the long journey, toys for children and a celebration into the night.”
Luis Galvan, junior mechanical engineering major at John Brown University and international student from Mexico, was one of the volunteers in charge of explaining the altar displayed at the event. “My job as a volunteer was to explain the altar that exemplified the general way an altar would look in Mexican homes,” Galvan said. He explained to spectators what the altar was, why was it on display and what it contained. Galvan said he enjoyed sharing his culture and thought it was a great initiative from the organizers. “If you’re only going to put an image in the middle of the street without any context, it doesn’t make any sense. It’s good to educate others, and it felt awesome to know that people from here have the interest to learn about my culture,” he added.
Several educational organizations also participated in the event to raise awareness about the need for more inclusivity and cultural literacy in the classroom. The Cultural Literacy Project by the University of Arkansas’ LAB program was at the event handing out books for everyone, but they hoped to reach teachers who can reach younger generations.
Mallorie Spielmaker, who works in education, shared how she was captivated by the event because of its mission and decided to volunteer to promote inclusivity. “All the booths have a lot of information to contribute to the area. One booth, for example, talks about immigration and does pro-bono work for youth who have been in bad situations,” she said. “[The Cultural Literacy Project] booth promotes inclusive books inside of schools, and, since I worked in education, I know all the problems we have of not having enough teaching about other cultures. So, I think everything here is pretty neat.” Spielmaker added.
Galvan also shared his excitement for the educational focus that Arkansas Latinas en Bici offered in commemoration of the holiday. “Something that caught my attention was that teachers from schools in Springdale are here to learn more about the culture because a lot of their students are Hispanic, and they want to have a better understanding of their students’ culture.”
In fact, schools around town played a major role in the cultural exchange that took place during the day. Students of all ages performed traditional dances from Mexico, showing off their colorful costumes and their Catrina (skull) faces. Spectators also enjoyed singing performances, lots of delicious Latin American dishes and exposure to exclusive Mexican-made goods displayed for sale.
Springdale’s Day of the Dead celebration was an undoubted success, and its organizers could not contain their excitement about it. Nalleli Garibay, a member of Arkansas Latinas en Bici, expressed her gratitude towards the Springdale community since it’s always supporting their events. “Springdale is one of the communities where, I feel like, there are more Hispanics. We have done several activities — ‘5 de mayo,’ ‘Frida Kahlo’ — and the community has been supportive every time.” Garibay, like many other members, feels that it’s important to continue the traditions and share their roots with others, no matter how far from home they are.
“I want to invite all women, no matter what physical condition or experience you have, to take part in our group. We’re all a team, and it’s a very lovely experience,” Garibay concluded.