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Hekab Be staff and library users had a wonderful last week of October that included both Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities!
On Thursday, October 29th, the library hosted a Halloween party complete with costumes, trick or treating and a haunted house. The kids all arrived around 3 p.m. and starting putting on their costumes, painting their faces and getting in a spooky frame of mind. Then they played a number of games including: toss the eyeball, hang the skeleton, and pin the nose on the pumpkin (for the smaller kids). As dusk fell, the kids ventured out in 3 groups to trick or treat at local businesses who agreed to help pass out treats: Mulgrew Laundry, Minisuper El Pueblito, Las Casitas Akumal and Hotel Akumal Caribe Receptions, and La Cueva del Pescador.
Upon returning the library the kids had their first chance ever to enter a haunted house or “casa de terror” where they were thoroughly scared out of their wits by witches, a vampire emerging from a coffin, the grim reaper, a mad scientist and a mummy. On the way out they were treated to mummy fingers (gummy candies) and vampire blood (strawberry soda). They loved the experience so much that after going through once they all got back in line to do it over again!
On Friday, the kids engaged in preparations for the arrival of the spirits of their departed loved ones, locally known in Mayan as Hanal Pixan, meaning “food for the souls.” They made tissue paper flowers with help from some visitors. They also painted and cut out items to decorate the altar including different foods such as hot chocolate, special tamales called pibes, sweet bread, fruit, coffee, water, and candles.
On Saturday morning, the altar was assembled, using all the items the children had made. The kids were treated to pan de muerto (a special sweet bread made for the holiday), chocolate milk and some Halloween candy. They talked about the meaning of Hanal Pixan, and the variations in how families celebrate it locally.
Special thanks to the people who made donations to help us put on these celebrations, with that money we were able to provide many Halloween and Day of the Dead goodies for the kids!!
More New Staff at the Library
Our long time assistant librarian, Reyna, has left Hekab Be to get married. Reyna was a favorite with the kids, and is known by some visitors who took Spanish classes with her. We wish her the best!
We have 2 new staff members, Carlos, and Belen. Carlos speaks English very well and can help answer any queries visitors may have. Belen works part time in the afternoons and on Saturdays, working primarily with the children.
Library Hours of Operation
We’ve adjusted our hours for the change in daylight savings time, so the kids are not walking home in the dark.
Our schedule is the following:
Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30 (closed 1-2:30)
Saturday 9-1
Closed Sunday
Stay up to date with the latest library happenings by visiting our main blog:
http://hekabbe.blogspot.com
For information on how to contribute, visit our donation site:
http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com
For information on our most recent needs, check out our wishlist:
http://hbwishlist.blogspot.com
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