DAY OF THE DEAD
comes to life to honor ancestors
EL CENTRO — Day of the Dead celebration just gets bigger and better here. As word gets out, people want to share memories of family who have passed on.
The third Dia De Los Muertos at the Old Post Office Pavilion was a collaborative effort on part of the city of El Centro and Mexican Consulate.
The Alters and Art exhibit opened on Oct. 10 and ran through Friday. After volunteering for years to build altars in private homes, Marcela Miranda Silva approached the city and consulate, and they both pledged their support.
“It honors our loved ones, but what’s most important is creating and displaying the altar,” said Silva. “The altar should include everything your loved one cherished in life. And I must emphasize, it is a very colorful celebration. But the purpose of our event is to educate the community on the history.”
Silva added, she aspires to have neighboring cities to pull together for a large parade on a future Day of the Dead. The actual holiday is Nov. 1 and 2. The first day is for the “innocents” or children while the second commemorates adults. For those interested to help out future holidays, visit the city’s Facebook page and search for “Dias De Los Muertos Celebration.”
Consul Carlos Flores Vizcarra of the Mexican Consulate in Calexico remarked Day of the Dead is deeply rooted in southern Mexico, though it travels with migration and brings not only a labor force, but bedrock traditions celebrated throughout Latin America. “We want to make this more transparent,” said Flores Vizcarra. “It originated with the Aztecs and celebrated their struggles in combat, yet it is a way to revere those who passed.”
Explaining the meaning of his altar, Bob Diaz strove to uphold tradition. He stressed he liked to remind young people to remember their ancestors and pass on the details of their life to younger generations.
“They may remember the name of an uncle or grandparent, but they don’t know what their favorite colors, foods or fragrances were, the things that characterize them,” said Diaz. “I use bright colors because that’s what my mother liked. And she was a religious person, so that’s where the crosses come in. But it’s also important to pass it on to others.” Adelina Gonzalez was dressed in traditional attire since she is a dancer with Las Flores del Valle Ballet Folklorico. She always made an altar at home for her mother who passed away 32 years ago. Nevertheless, it is always a joyous occasion to honor and never forget family members.
“The altars usually include Pan de Muerto and other foods the deceased liked,” said Gonzalez. “They also include a candle to light the path in the afterlife and water, but also flowers. Mexican Marigolds or cempasuchil are favored. That’s why we do these activities so traditions don’t get lost.”
Kim Alfaro, artist at Casa de la Cultura, attended the OPOP along with her husband Alan Massey and explained that the altar she help build in memory of Alan’s father and brother, who were both lost 12 years ago in the same automobile accident. Alan had placed a DVD copy of Star Wars and a Beatles album because they were fans.
“I don’t believe in the religious part of it, but I do believe in remembering family members,” Kim emphasized.