UNICEF Launches “Remember Me by Helping” Campaign
This weekend, UNICEF invites people to commemorate the Day of the Dead not just with remembrance, but with solidarity through the “Remember Me by Helping” campaign. The initiative aims to transform this Mexican tradition into a collective action in favor of vulnerable children.
The Heart of the Initiative: “El Altarcito”
“El Altarcito,” the first virtual altar made from drawings by children, is at the core of this campaign. Each donation illuminates the altar with digital candles and flowers, symbolizing how memories can turn into real support for children. Participation is open at altarcito.unicef.org.mx, where anyone can upload a drawing or make a contribution.
Scheduled Activities for November 1st and 2nd
- Participation in the Great Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City
- When: November 1, 2:00 PM
- Route: From the Lions’ Gate in Chapultepec to the Zócalo in Mexico City
- UNICEF will participate with a themed float inspired by “El Altarcito.” They’ll be accompanied by children from A Favor del Niño school, the 2025 World’s Best Schools award winner, and the renowned child figure “Cositas,” who will invite the public to join with messages of empathy and creativity.
- Feria de las Calacas (CENART), Mexico City
- When: November 1st and 2nd
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- “El Altarcito” will be present as an interactive installation. Attendees can view how the altar lights up with each donation and participate in children’s drawing workshops.
- Universidad Nova Spania, Morelia
- When: November 1st and 2nd
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Spaces will be available for children, families to contribute to “El Altarcito” with drawings and messages, as well as learn how their participation translates into concrete help.
Tradition and Solidarity
Celebrities like Claudia Lizaldi, César Costa, Cynthia Alesco, Jimmy de Pongámoslo a Prueba, and Alfredo Romo have joined by sharing personal stories about those who taught them to help, inviting more people to participate.
UNICEF has also set up physical versions of “El Altarcito” in various cities across the country. In Mexico City, it was previously activated at Forum Buenavista; in Oaxaca, at the Margarita Maza de Juárez Library; and in Morelia, it remains active throughout the weekend.
Through this campaign, UNICEF proposes that remembering is not just looking back but also lighting up the present and future of children. Each drawing, each donation, and each public participation contributes to a collective offering symbolizing the spirit of solidarity inherent in the Day of the Dead.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is UNICEF’s “Remember Me by Helping” campaign about?
- How can people participate?
- What will the funds support?
UNICEF’s “Remember Me by Helping” campaign aims to transform the Day of the Dead into a solidarity action for vulnerable children. It uses “El Altarcito,” a virtual altar made from children’s drawings, to symbolize how memories can turn into real support.
People can participate by uploading drawings or making donations at altarcito.unicef.org.mx. They can also join UNICEF’s activities in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Morelia.
The funds raised will help ensure access to education, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, and protection for over 230 million children living in contexts of war, poverty, or disasters.
