Day of the Day Honors Friends and Family
by Loni Rahm, LCN photos from 2018 Day of the Dead
Despite it’s rather macabre sounding name, Day of the Dead is not about murder and mayhem. It’s all about respect, reverence and remembering those who have made an impact on our lives who are no longer with us.
Traditionally held on November 1 & 2, Día de los Muertos is not a Mexican version of Halloween. The two annual events share a calendar time period, but they are literally “night and day” in tradition and tone.
After all, Halloween is a dark night of mock-terror and mischief. Day of the Dead is a celebration of life and death, where participants demonstrate love and respect for deceased loved ones.
Activities that unfold over the two-day celebration includes colorful decorations and costumes featuring exotic calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeltons), storytelling, parades and parties, music and dancing, food and festivities. Day of the Dead culminates in the offering of memories and mementos to loved ones at alters which are placed both in homes and in public places such as a cemetery or town square.
On Saturday, November 2nd, Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) will hold its second annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, which includes a large public altar placed at Riverwalk Park. The community is invited to commemorate their loved ones with photos or items that hold significance to the unique memories of a friend or family member.
Nestor Lemus, Branch Manager at Chelan Wells Fargo and a member of the HDCA Board describes the altar offerings as a tradition which goes back thousands of years. “It’s an opportunity to remember the loved ones who came before us, and respect what they brought to us.”
During Dia de los Muertos, spirits of the dead are believed to return and are welcomed with food, beverages and remembrances. Each token left at an alter is “unique to that relationship,” Lemus indicated.
For example, if your grandma loved to garden, there might be a packet of seeds left at the altar. If your uncle was a devoted card player, you may see a deck of cards. A seamstress might be remembered with ribbons or threads; an artist with a paintbrush. “The goal is to give a piece of their life and what you shared together,” said Lemus.
What to expect on Saturday
The Dia de los Muertos celebration kicks off at noon with a parade down Woodin Avenue that features performances by Seattle’s Baillaidores de Bronce and Wenatchee’s Mariachi Azteca. Anyone is welcome to join the parade. Face painters will be available starting at 11:00 a.m. to help you look the part. The parade line up starts at 11:30 a.m.
Throughout the day, you can join the Taco Crawl. Purchase tickets in advance and work your way through delicious tacos served by seven restaurants and eateries. Vote for your favorite and see if they win the Top Taco Award.
You can also tour the altars (or ofrende) on display in several businesses throughout town. These altars were created and built by local students. Each one represents someone special who has passed. You can learn the meaning behind the alters, then head to Riverwalk Park to create your own special memorial elements for the public altar.
For additional information, contact the Historic Downtown Chelan Association at 509-682-4322 or visit their website.
