Bernheim’s 2024 ColorFest was a resounding success. This beloved annual fall festival is known for its Giant slides, pumpkin roll, mud-pie kitchen, and celebration of autumn colors at Bernheim. This year, the event expanded with vibrant new experiences that honored cultural heritage and the beauty of the natural world.
One of the most memorable additions was the activation of an ofrenda for Día de Muertos at the Spirit Nest. This collaboration, created in partnership with Suntory Global Spirits’ LatinX/Hispanic Employee Impact Group, Salud, and artist Diego Bucio, introduced attendees to a beloved Mexican tradition. Originating in Michoacán, Mexico, an ofrenda is a traditional altar adorned with marigolds, candles, and offerings such as food, photos, and mementos. It serves as a celebration of life, inviting the spirits of ancestors to join us in moments of remembrance and gratitude.
The creation of the Día de Muertos ofrenda was a collective effort. Several volunteer days brought Beam employees to Bernheim, where they crafted decorations like over 100 marigolds made from coffee filters and food dye and authentically decorated Mexican sugar skulls. These activities offered members of Salud an opportunity to share their rich culture and heritage with their colleagues.
To incorporate a local touch, Bernheim gathered natural materials from its forest, including bright yellow ginkgo leaves to line the walkway around the Spirit Nest, adding the unique beauty of nature to the celebration.
Bernheim staff also embraced tradition by crafting a colorful sawdust carpet (tapetes de aserrín). These intricate designs, created by layering dyed sawdust and other materials, formed vibrant images on the ground. The result was a breathtaking celebration of color, blending cultural traditions with the natural world.
The public ofrenda honored climate heroes such as Rachel Carson, Sister Dorothy Stang, Steve Irwin, Wangarĩ Maathai, and Bernheim’s own Don Spain, Joe Cichan (the “Frog Man”), and Isaac Wolfe Bernheim. Members of the community were also invited to leave photos of their lost loved ones on the altar. A special space within the ofrenda was dedicated to Homero Gómez González, the “Guardian of the Monarchs.” Homero, an environmental activist from Michoacán, devoted his life to protecting monarch butterflies and their habitat from illegal logging and agricultural threats. Tragically, he lost his life in 2020, but his legacy continues to inspire conservationists worldwide.
Dancers from Mexico Lindo, a traditional Mexican folkloric dance group, brought Día de Muertos to life with their vibrant costumes and captivating performances. A highlight was a special dance honoring the monarch butterflies, symbols of transformation and migration. The sight of children dressed as butterflies joyfully fluttering around the ofrenda dedicated to Homero created an unforgettable moment.
The festival also featured musical performances from Yapa, showcasing Latin American dance music and folk melodies; Evan and Vanessa, bilingual children’s music artists from the popular Spanish-learning podcast Eat Your Spanish; and Genevva, a dream-folk duo based in Louisville.

Bernheim’s horticulture team engaged visitors with educational booths on planting pollinator-friendly habitats, inspiring attendees to become guardians of monarchs and biodiversity in their own backyards. Artist Diego Bucio shared, “The purpose of the ofrenda is to keep the spirit of those who have passed alive within our hearts. The greatest tribute we can offer to Homero is to educate others on how they, too, can become guardians of monarchs.”
This event reflects Bernheim’s commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. By forging intentional partnerships, we celebrate diversity while championing biodiversity protection. At Bernheim, we strive to ensure that all people and creatures find a place where they truly belong.
Partner Reflections
Gloria Rendon Morales of Suntory Global Spirits’ LatinX/Hispanic Employee Impact Group, Salud, shared:
“We couldn’t choose a better event to celebrate the richness of Hispanic/Latinx culture. Día de Muertos honors traditions that connect us to our roots. This collaboration created a space for community, education, and belonging, empowering volunteers and partners to build lasting, meaningful connections aligned with Suntory Global Spirits’ DEI goals.”
Additional Resources
- ”Guardian of the Monarchs” documentary about environmental activist, Homero Gómez González. Available on Netflix.
- Learn how you can be a Guardian of the Monarchs, too: Pollinator Habitat: At Bernheim and In Your Back Yard | Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
- How to make an ofrenda, or altar, for Día de los Muertos : NPR