SPOKANE, Wash. — Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario (NRCC) hosted its 10th annual Día de Los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Día de Los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" is a holiday meant to remember loved ones who have passed away. But 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 connection.
"We are surrounded always by our ancestors and this is just a reminder and a beautiful holiday for them – to celebrate them," said NRCC Executive Director Fernanda Mazcot.
Día de Los Muertos is a 2-day celebration on Nov. 1 and 2 and although it often gets bunched together with Halloween due to symbolic skulls, called "La Catrina," the two holidays are not related at all.
"So it is believed at this time our loved ones come back," said Mazcot.
Mazcot says the holiday has many ties to different cultures across Mexico, Latin America and even Europe, but the core of the celebration across all cultures is to thank those who came before and guided people to where they are now.
"You know we are here because of our ancestors – and I think it's just so important that we remember them and remember their journey and to me it's very important that we keep their memories alive," said Mazcot.
One part of traditional Día de Los Muertos celebrations is an "ofrenda," which is similar to an altar, decorated with marigold flowers, photos of loved ones who have passed away and offerings such as favorite food and drinks.
"And this is just a part of who we are and part of our culture but at the same time it's a wonderful time to educate everyone else about our culture – culture is meant to be shared," said Mazcot.
Kelsey Monahan Ibarra joined in on the Día de Los Muertos celebration and comes from a multicultural family.
"It's great education for outside cultures to learn what Día de Los Muertos is," said Ibarra.
Ibarra says she is grateful for events like the festival because it gives her son, Alejandro, and other children a wealth of knowledge to know more about the culture that they come from and can take pride in.
"So we are really looking forward to creating an annual tradition of being able to celebrate his abuelos and tias and tios and all the people who came before him and all the sacrifices that were made so he can have what he has today," said Ibarra.
Mazcot says Día de Los Muertos was a wonderful opportunity to represent beautiful cultures in the area.
The event hosted 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.
"It's truly wonderful to have this experience and culture here in Spokane," said Mazcot.