“It’s all about remembering; remembering the past,” said Manuel Ramos, director of El Ballet Folklorico, as Portland marked the first day of Día De Los Muertos.
Sunday brought families together at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary and Sunset Hills Park for its fourth annual celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday, featuring traditional music, dancing, altars known as ofrendas, and activities for guests of all ages, KPTV reported. Also known as the Day of the Dead, the observance honors loved ones who have passed away across Mexico, parts of Central America, and the United States.
Building the Ofrendas to Welcome Souls Home
For those who observe the holiday, the custom centers on building altars adorned with photographs of deceased family members. Participants frequently place favorite foods, drinks, personal belongings, and letters directly on the ofrendas to welcome souls home.
“It is the altars that actually invite them over and especially today,” Ramos said. “Today is November 1, so they believe that the spirits have arrived already and they’re here on Earth communicating with them.”
Childhood Memories and Roots in Mexico
Ramos noted that the holiday always takes him back to his childhood. Having immigrated to the United States at age five, he recalls spending a couple of years at the gravesite of his loved ones.
Personal Tributes at Finley Sunset Hills
Kjersti Barrios, who works at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary and Sunset Hills Memorial Park, shared personal connections to this year’s ofrenda by remembering two family members. Her father died in an accident when she was six years old, and her grandmother passed away in 2020.
“Grandma loved Paydays, so we put those out for her. And Grandpa loved Mountain Dew, so he gets one of those. So just sharing those memories about them,” Barrios said.
Finding Shared Joy and Cultural Continuity
While losing family members brings undeniable grief, Barrios emphasized that Día De Los Muertos offers a meaningful space to focus on shared joy and cultural continuity.
“I think that’s the most important part, is being able to stay with our roots and with our culture and remembering our loved ones,” she said.
