This vigil is to honor and remember those who have died in ICE detention, students who have passed away from gun violence, those who have died in Gaza, and all those who have lost their lives to injustice. This event is meant to bring together community and honor the dead by bringing awareness to issues of injustice. This event is family friendly. There will be tarot readers, face painting, music, dance, and food. Organizations will have ofrendas dedicated to honoring lives lost in different and varied struggles.
Dia De Los Muertos and the Ofrenda
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. It’s not about mourning but about celebrating life and the continuing spiritual presence of the dead. The belief is that during these days, the souls of the deceased return to visit the living.
People celebrate with music, food, candles, marigolds (cempasúchil flowers), and colorful decorations like sugar skulls and papel picado. Families often gather at cemeteries, sharing stories, food, and offerings.
An ofrenda (Spanish for “offering”) is a decorated altar set up in homes or public spaces to welcome returning spirits. It usually includes:
- Photos of the deceased
- Candles to guide their way
- Marigolds to attract spirits with their bright color and scent
- Food and drinks the person enjoyed in life
- Pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls
- Personal items or mementos
Together, Día de los Muertos and the ofrenda express love, remembrance, and the connection between the living and the dead.