‘A Celebration of Life and Death Honoring the Departed’| Celebremos la vida, el amor y los recuerdos (Celebrate life, love and the remembrances).
The vibrant and culturally rich celebration of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, will once again bring the community together for the 10th year on Nov. 2, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario, located at 1214 E Sprague Ave., in Spokane, WA.
Día de Los Muertos, a celebration of life in remembrance of loved ones who have died, will include live performances of traditional music, including Mariachi las Aguilas de EWU, Ballet Folklorico de Spokane, Tlecoatl Aztec Dance, and Copal rituals that capture the spirit of the celebration.
The event will also feature various activities and festivities for all ages, including colorful offerings (ofrendas), face painting and piñatas, a Catrina contest, dead bread, local food, craft vendors, and a Hispanic Business Expo.
“Día de Los Muertos is a special sacred date and one of its kind because it is a family reunion that reunites the living and the dead. It is also a way to maintain our cultural identity and heritage, which are deeply rooted in generations of family and culture,” Brianda Lizeth Perez, NRCC PR and Marketing Outreach, said.
Unlike the somber tone that often accompanies Western notions of death, Día de Los Muertos is a festive and joyous occasion, filled with color, music, and a profound sense of familiar connection that dates back thousands of years.
For almost a decade, Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario, formerly known as HBPA, has been bringing this Mexican cultural celebration to Spokane. They were the first group to host an important Mexican Intangible Cultural of Humanity celebration event of its kind in Spokane County, where Latinos and Hispanics comprise 6.6% of the population.
Día de Los Muertos event also plays a significant role in boosting the local economy by supporting small Hispanic-Latino owned food and craft businesses.
“As people gather to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions and honor their loved ones, they also contribute to a vibrant economy, allowing small businesses to thrive and sustain themselves beyond the festivities,” Perez said. “This not only provides them with a platform to display their creativity but also helps preserve and promote traditional crafts and gastronomy, showcase their products and services, and reach new customers.”
This year’s Día de Los Muertos celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages, celebrating the culture, traditions, and memories. Admission is free, and whether you are familiar with Día de Los Muertos or new to the celebration, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“Through these cherished traditions, Día de Los Muertos serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between the living and the dead, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations,” Perez said.
The community is also invited to attend First Friday, Nov.1, for a quiet and spiritual time to see the Ofrendas and Catrinas exhibition from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. People can bring photos of their loved ones and pets to put at the Ofrendas starting Friday, Nov.1, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario Facebook event page.
Comments