SPOKANE, Wash. — Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario (NRCC) will host a celebration for Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Día de Los Muertos is a celebration of life in remembrance of loved ones who have died. The event will include live performances of traditional music, including Mariachi las Aguilas from Eastern Washington University, 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,” said Brianda Lizeth Perez with NRCC.
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, NRCC has been bringing this Mexican cultural celebration to Spokane. NRCC was 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.
The 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.”
Admission to the event is free and open to all community members.
“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, on 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 who have passed away 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 or their website.
