PLAZA VERDE PARK,
NOV. 2, 2024
At the beginning of November, Chicanx families come together to welcome ancestors back home for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Dia de los Muertos originates from Aztec culture and has survived despite colonization and religious conquerers.
Historically, Dia de los Muertos was once a month-long celebration, that was later changed to match All Saints Day and is celebrated on November 1st and November 2nd. In some families, relatives continue to celebrate all 30 days by keeping their altars up for the full month of November.
Aztecs believed that the spirits of the dead would return to the land of the living for a small reunion to visit loved ones. During this time, they would celebrate their return by creating altars, decorating skeletons, and using other symbolic decorations to welcome the dead.
This year, the community celebration of Dia De Los Muertos will be celebrated at Plaza Verde Park on Pueblo’s Lower Eastside. The event features numerous ofrendas (altars) designed and built by families and organizations, food and beverage booths, music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a procession though the neighborhood to visit other ofrendas at 5 p.m.
The photos in this report are from the 2022 event taken by Juan Espinosa. There are numerous Dia de los Muertos celebrations throughout Pueblo, Colorado and beyond. Email your photos of your personal ofrenda or of events you attend to La Cucaracha News: lacucaracha@emspueblo.org.
