MBGNA welcomes you to join in an ancient Mexican tradition, deeply connected to the harvest season. The arrival of the Monarchs in the state of Michoacan coincides with the harvest of corn and Dia de Muertos. Monarch butterflies travel over 3,000 miles, connecting the people of Turtle Island from Canada to Mexico. These butterflies are understood to be the returning spirits of the ancestors; in this way, the ancestors also bring the harvest, abundance, and the gift of life. Death is understood as a rite of passage and cycle of life itself. 

Join us at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in contributing to a community ofrenda (altar) in honor of our loved ones who have walked on, which will be up from October 28 through November 3. You may bring: pictures of your loved ones, representations of things they like, or a note to share a message with them. The ofrenda and parts of the gardens will be covered in marigolds to guide the spirits of our loved ones. The items will be taken down at 5pm on November 3rd. Please pick up your items during the day on November 3rd or make arrangements by contacting [email protected].