Families Share the Importance of Día de los Muertos with the Next Generation
Honoring Loved Ones and Preserving Cultural Heritage
On a sunny Saturday morning, families gathered at Time Out Market in Fulton Market to celebrate Día de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican holiday honoring loved ones who have passed away. The event was a beautiful opportunity for families to come together, share their cultural heritage, and teach their children about the importance of this meaningful tradition.
A Tradition of Remembrance and Celebration
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time to joyfully honor and remember family and friends who have died. It’s a celebration of life, rather than a mourning of death. The holiday is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and is a significant part of Mexican culture.
Passing Down Tradition to the Next Generation
For families, Día de los Muertos is also a chance to share their cultural heritage with their children. "I’m here with my granddaughter to show her our tradition, so I really want to get her involved in her culture, especially living here in the U.S. We really want her to be a part of that," said Cynthia Ramirez, Natasha’s mother.
Creating an Ofrenda: A Symbol of Love and Remembrance
To honor her loved ones, Cynthia created an ofrendas, a traditional altar that includes pictures of people who have died, their favorite food and drink, along with candles, flowers, and other sentimental items. "Just having pictures in the altar, it’s a great way to show her who they were and their importance to us," Cynthia explained.
A Time for Connection and Celebration
While Día de los Muertos is a time to remember those who have passed away, it’s also an opportunity to appreciate the time families have together. "Just joining the family together, having that connection, reuniting and having fun together," Veronica Ojeda, Natasha’s grandmother, said.
Conclusion
Día de los Muertos is a beautiful reminder of the importance of family, culture, and tradition. By sharing this holiday with the next generation, families are ensuring that their cultural heritage is preserved and passed down for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Día de los Muertos?
A: Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday honoring loved ones who have passed away.
Q: What is the significance of Día de los Muertos?
A: It’s a time to joyfully honor and remember family and friends who have died, and to celebrate life.
Q: How is Día de los Muertos typically celebrated?
A: Traditionally, it’s celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, with events such as parades, festivals, and the creation of altars, or ofrendas, to honor loved ones.
