While the Caribbean traditions of the Day of the Dead are not as globally known as those of Mexico and Central America, the cultural practices exercised during what caribeños call El Dia de los Fieles y Santos Difuntos constitutes a unique and commemorative tradition deeply rooted in a rich history of spirituality and syncretism.
On Friday, November 1, cultural activist and educator Jonathan de Oleo Ramos will open a portal—a space where past and present meet, and the connection between the living and the dead is honored. Drawing on his extensive writings and deep involvement in traditional celebrations, Jonathan will explore the significance of the Day of the Dead in Kiskeya and Ayiti. He will be joined in conversation by artist and political activist Vannia Lara.
Join the Northern Manhattan Community Land Trust and Word Up for this inspirational talk and in honoring the memories of our departed loved ones!
Aunque las tradiciones caribeñas del Día de Muertos no son tan mundialmente conocidas como las de México y Centroamérica, las prácticas culturales ejercidas durante lo que los caribeños llaman El Día de los Fieles y Santos Difuntos constituyen una tradición única y conmemorativa profundamente arraigada en una rica cultura e historia de la espiritualidad y el sincretismo.
El viernes 1 de noviembre, el activista cultural y educador Jonathan de Oleo Ramos abrirá un portal, un espacio donde el pasado y el presente se encuentran, y se honra la conexión entre los vivos y los muertos. Basándose en sus escrituras extensivas y su profunda participación en las celebraciones tradicionales, Jonathan explorará el significado del Día de los Muertos en Kiskeya y Ayiti. Jonathan conversará con la escritora y activista política Vannia Lara.
Celebre con el Comité de Tierra Comunitaria del Alto Manhattan y Word Up en esta charla inspiradora y para honrar los recuerdos de nuestros seres queridos fallecidos.
Bios:
Jonathan de Olea Ramos:
Jonathan De Oleo Ramos, a social scientist, educator, cultural activist, and researcher focusing on social justice and Afro-Dominican culture in the Dominican Republic is the 2024 Threatened Scholars Fellow at the City College of New York-based CUNY Dominican Studies Institute (CUNY DSI).
He’s produced original and vital work on Dominican Gaga, a forbidden folkloric music and dance with African roots, which has been the target of municipal-level prohibition. He has taught a class on Dominican Gaga as part of the Latin American and Latino/a Studies program.
De Oleo Ramos’ publications include the book “Cofradías Dominicanas del Espíritu Santo.”
Vannia Lara:
Vannia Lara has served as community engagement liaison, social justice advocate and freelance journalist and interpreter in New York City since 2004. In her role as community liaison for the Consulate General of Venezuela in New York and Boston, Vannia organized several events with long standing community organizations in the New York area, to promote intercultural awareness, gender equality and economic justice. Vannia has also collaborated with the Diplomatic Missions of Ecuador and Bolivia to the United Nations, in community-oriented events for their Heads of State. She is also a longtime co-op resident in the Lower East Side, and has volunteered with the Office of Councilwoman Rosie Mendez to preserve affordable housing for low income families in her neighborhood. She has a passion for the culture and heritage of the African diaspora in the Americas, and as a freelance journalist, has interviewed heads of African states and exponents of Afrolatino culture. Vannia is also a freelance translator and interpreter, who has volunteered at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the United Nations headquarters, and currently provides her interpretation services to affordable housing community organizations in the Bronx.