Keeping the Day of the Dead spirit alive
Lorena Almaguer wandered into Casa Ramirez, a Houston folk art store and fixture in the Heights, aweek ago knowing little about Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, when the living pay tribute to those who have died and are visited by their souls.
This past year has been a devastating one for Almaguer. Her grief is rawand tears are never far away. She told shop owner, Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez, how she lost her father almost a year ago to cancer, her grandfather in February to heart disease and her uncle in July to COVID-19.
That is when Ramirez encouraged Almaguer to embrace the upcoming holiday on Nov. 1and 2. She could build an altar to loved ones as has been done in Mexican culture for generations. It is healing, Ramirez promised.
So on Saturday, Almaguer, her husband, Jaime Almaguer, and daughter, Jasmine Banks, returned to the small shop, along with a handful of other participants to learn more about the celebration and howto build a traditional Day of the Dead altar. They each received starter kits complete with small skulls to represent their ancestors to later be decorated; dried marigolds to
“This is one of the most important things we do at Casa Ramirez all year. … It’s the best way to honor (my husband). It’s my mission now. It helps keep me strong.”
Chrissie Ramirez, Casa Ramirez owner
symbolize the sun and eternal life; and a paper banner to signify the wind.
“There is somuch symbolism in all of this,” Ramirez explained, urging the class to personalize tributes by adding special photos or trinkets that help commemorate a life. “It’s a way to keep memories alive and teach children about their family history.”
The Saturday class held special meaning — and an emotional challenge — for Ramirez who lost her husband, Macario, on June10 from heart failure. Macario Ramirez, 83, was more than owner of the iconic gallery, hewas a lifelong activist who championed racial justice and equal opportunities., those who knew him said
Day of the Dead merchandise along with brightly colored altars,
or ofrendas, have been a main stay at the shop each fall for decades. “This is one of the most important things we do at Casa Ramirez all
year,” said Chrissie Ramirez.
To not do so this year was unthinkable. “It’s the best way to honor him,” she said of her husband. “It’s my mission now. It helps keep me strong.”
Despite its name the Day of the Dead is far from morbid. The festivities are meant to be joyous and can be traced back to ancient Aztec culture. It is mingled with elements of the Catholic faith as the early November dates coincide with All Saints and All Souls Days. The holiday stems from the belief that the gates of heaven open Oct. 31 and the spirits of the deceased return briefly and reunite with loved ones and celebrate alongside them.
“It is believed that when the souls return and see a warm welcome that is a good omen for the family,” Ramirez told the class Saturday.
Mari Ojeda and her daughter, Mili, took that message to heart. They plan to design an altar to honor Ojeda’s beloved grandmother who died in January.
Among the suggested items for a traditional altar is a beverage in case the spirit is thirsty. The women joked they might include a shot of tequila for accuracy. Probably a pack of cigarettes and a bingo card, too.