SPRINGFIELD — Springfield was ripe with free cultural offerings in celebration
of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The annual Mexican celebration is a time
when families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. Culturally, it
is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living families in homes,
businesses and cemeteries during this time. This is a joyful festivity for families and
the community, rather than a somber one, and it was all smiles for participants
at this year’s events.
The events on Nov. 2 were part of a month-long community celebration at
Springfield Public Library, Springfield History Museum, and City Hall. There was
an all-day community arts sawdust mural themed “Tierra Madre/Mother Earth”
with Salem-based artist Margarito Sumoza of Casa De La Cultura Tlanese. There
were artist workshops with Jessica Zapata of Eugene Arte Latino at the Springfield
Public Library, and a procession from the City Hall to the museum featured live
music from Piel de Canela and Mariachi Cuervo.
There is still time to celebrate and learn more about the culture. The Springfield
Community Alter and Day of the Dead photography exhibition runs through
Nov. 22 at the Springfield History Museum, and another Día de los Muertos
photography exhibition in the Springfield City Hall Lobby through Nov. 30.
All photos by Bob Williams.
