Death is universal and inevitable. It’s almost impossible to prevent a loved one’s death from being emotionally painful when it happens. But how a culture or family views death and the passing of a loved one is far from universal.
Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a Mexican holiday that came from combining Aztec and Spanish traditions. The focus is on celebrating the lives of those we lost and using food and music to give them a good time before their souls return to rest. The holiday is all about associating death with feelings of joy and thankfulness rather than with reopening old wounds.
Chico is a town full of Mexican influence; the name “Chico” itself is a Spanish word, and the bounties of Mexican culture are shared through the entire community. That includes a Día de Los Muertos event that’s been happening at the Chico Cemetery on Mangrove Avenue, a celebration that’s in its third year. The organizers, Amber Rodriguez, Josiah Anaya and Jessy Maice wanted to highlight the beautiful symbols, vibrant culture and positive emotions that the holiday evokes.