Here’s your guide to building an ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos, and Pierce County events
Dia de los Muertos is a lively and colorful celebration that originated in Mexico, but has made its way to many parts of the U.S., including Washington state. For most Americans, the death of a loved one is associated with grief and mourning, but for many Latinos, Dia de los Muertos is a lively, colorful subversion of that expectation.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional and Indigenous celebration that honors and welcomes those who have died back to the physical world between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2.
The celebration begins on Oct. 27, when our beloved pets that have passed on return to visit us for 24 hours. The celebration continues on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. The first day of November is known as All Saints’ Day, where the souls of deceased children can join their families. On the second day, the spirits of adults rejoin their families for 24 hours. This is a time for celebration and to welcome back loved ones by building colorful ofrendas, or altars, presented with food, gifts, sentimental objects and cempasuchiles (marigolds).
The tradition of ofrendas originated in Mexico as a synthesis of Spanish Catholicism and Indigenous Aztec beliefs. The Aztecs celebrated Mictēcacihuātl, the goddess of death who collected the bones of the deceased to resurrect them at the end of July. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, the Spanish celebrated Allhallowtide, the three-day observance when children and adults rejoined their families. These two days fused into the celebration that is now recognized as Día de los Muertos.
Here is how to build an ofrenda for those who wish to participate in the celebration, along with local community Día de los Muertos events taking place this weekend and next weekend around Pierce County.
How to build an ofrenda
An ofrenda traditionally consists of seven tiers that symbolize the route to heaven with objects that display the four elements: earth, wind, fire and water. Other items included are photographs of those who have died, their favorite foods, drinks and anything else that commemorates their life. Dead bread, alebrijes or spirit animals and sugar skulls can also be used to decorate the altar.
Ofrendas should be built before Oct. 27 and left up until at least Nov. 3. Here are the essentials to building an ofrenda, including the four elements that should be represented on your ofrenda and their significance.
The four elements
Cempasuchil, or marigold, is a bright orange-yellow flower whose bright colors and strong scent are believed to guide the spirits back to the physical world. These flowers represent the element of earth, and families typically place them in bunches on altars and grave sites. Some might use the petals to create a pathway or crosses on the ground.
Papel picado, or perforated paper, embodies the essence of wind in which intricate designs and shapes are cut from paper and hung above the altar.
Candles or incense represent fire and help guide spirits back to the physical world.
A glass of water represents the final element, which helps quench the spirits’ thirst after their long journey from Mictlān to rejoin their families and friends.
Decorations
Skulls and sugar skulls are painted with bright colors and smiles to represent the enjoyment and fulfillment of the afterlife. Pan de Muerto is a traditional Mexican sweet bread placed on the altar to feed the spirits of those who have died. Typically, those who bake the bread adorn the tops with crosses or bone-like sticks from the same flour for decoration.
Alebrijes are sculptures of mythical creatures that act as guides to direct the spirits to their destinations in the afterlife. Alebrijes are colorful and made from a combination of different animals or angels.
Dia de los Muertos events in Pierce county
Tacoma
Calavera Collective presents Dia de los Muertos 2023
Calavera Collective is hosting a Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Eastside Community Center. The event will kick off with “a street procession by foot - representative of the arrival of the dead; from Swan Creek to the Eastside Community Center,” according to a Facebook post by Tacoma Creates. This event will also feature a community altar, food, traditional dances and products from local vendors.
When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Eastside Community Center, 1721 E. 56th
Details: Free, no registration required
Día de los Muertos Celebration on 6th Ave
The celebration on 6th Ave is sponsored by the 6th Ave Business District, Tacoma-Cienfuegos Sister City and Boca del Rio Sister City, and will feature a sidewalk skeleton procession, live music, Latin food and local craft vendors.
When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Where: Tapco Credit Union, 2802 6th Ave.
Details: Free, full schedule of events
Tacoma Art Museum Dia de los Muertos festival
Tacoma Art Museum is hosting their 19th annual Dia de los Muertos festival with community altars, live musical performances, Aztec dances and ballet folklorico. People will be able partake in art making projects that include making handmade marigolds, miniature ofrendas and clay sculptures.
When: Sunday, Nov. 5, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Avenue
Details: Free
Tillicum
Tillicum Pierce County Library Día de los Muertos Celebración
Tillicum Pierce County Library will host a short celebration where people will be able to decorate sugar skulls, eat traditional bread, make tissue paper crafts and hear a story.
When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-2 p.m.
Where: Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave SW
Details: Free
Do you know of any upcoming Dia de Los Muertos events happening around Pierce County that aren’t on this list? Get in touch by email and we’ll update it. Please contact: rmontalvo@thenewstribune.com.
