The dead were among us in Midtown last weekend, as hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the Mexican tradition Día de los Muertos. In its fourth year in Sacramento, the two-day Day of the Dead event was held at 20th and J streets, where dozens of altars were created to honor loved ones who have passed. Altars included photos of the deceased as well as pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, items like music and instruments, foods and drinks that they enjoyed in life, and marigolds, which are meant to welcome the dead home from their journey. Catrinas young and old were on hand to represent death, with faces painted as skeletons and highlighted with bright and elaborate colors.
In a culture like ours where death is often regarded as taboo, it is refreshing to see this rich tradition honoring and celebrating the dead come to life in our own backyard.
Learn more about Día de los Muertos at http://www.lrgp.org/dia-de-los-muertos.html. The event was organized by La Raza Galeria Posada.