SPRINGFIELD – Día de los Muertos is widely celebrated in Hispanic and Latinx cultures. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Oregon’s largest minority group is the Hispanic population.
Springfield Memorial Gardens hosted its first community celebration on Nov. 1.
“We’re excited. We felt very strongly about the fact that the Latinx population here… They’ve been underserved for far too long,” said Kristi Pyle, market sales director at Musgrove Mortuary. “It’s time we got with the program.”
The cultural event was a celebration of life, love, and remembrance of those who have passed away. It took place inside the chapel and under covered tents outside.
Crowds trickled in like the rain that did not keep them away. An ofrenda – a Spanish word specifically referring to the decorative altars – was set up with candles, orange marigold flowers, photos of people’s loved ones who have passed, sugar skulls, pumpkins, and sage, to guide spirits to the altar. There was pan de muerto, a sweet bread roll topped with sugar.
Latin ballads played over the speakers before the entertainment started outside. Father Ron Nelson said an opening prayer in English and Spanish. Natalie Triana, a family services provider, spoke bilingually to the crowd as she explained the event’s happenings.
The opening act was various groups of dancers performing traditional and Aztecas dances. Young girls took center stage, dressed in white, lacy, flowy floor-length dresses with matching white heels. Colorful accent scarves and hair ribbons complemented their outfits, bursting with green, red, pink, blue, and purple. Gold jewelry and red lipstick completed the look.
After the teenage group performers danced, it was the littles’ turn. Three children took the floor, all around 10 years old, dressed in floral-print traditional folklorico dresses. They fanned out the edges of their skirts, rippling them like waves, while they twirled and stomped their feet.
The teens took to the stage again, this time dressed in all black with cowboy hats and boots. Again, gold jewelry and accessories complemented their outfits, while the performers kicked their feet and danced.
After the dancing ceremonies were finished, Springfield High School’s Mariachi band, Mariachi del Sol, performed Mexican songs. Hermoso Cariño, La Bruja, La Llorona, and Amor Eterno were just a few songs they played that depicted themes of love, loss, and celebration.
More entertainment included face painters, covering faces in traditional sugar skulls. Kids could get crafty and make their own sugar skulls at the craft table.
Los Compadres food truck had food for purchase on the scene, including Mexican hot chocolate – Abuelita – and coffee for folks to sip on.
