Day of the Dead Honors Loved Ones Who Have Passed

Historic Downtown Holds First Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration

By Loni Rahm

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 diseased 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 momentos 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 3rd, Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) will hold its first annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, from Noon – 6:30 p..m which includes a central alter 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 alter 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 rememberances. 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 alter. 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.

Additional activities will be held throughout the day including pinatas, kids activities, story-telling, a taco crawl & margarita competition (ticket required), dancing horses, and a lantern lit parade down the center of town.

For a schedule of events and to purchase taco crawl tickets in advance, visit the HDCA website.

Chelan and Manson Students Partner with Downtown Stores to Create Alters

Traditional Day of the Dead Parade. File Photo