SALINAS VALLEY — Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations took place last week in the Salinas Valley cities of Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales, where residents celebrated the event at local cemeteries, high schools and city facilities.
Last Monday in Greenfield, the Greenfield Cemetery District hosted its first Día de los Muertos, featuring a beautiful afternoon of remembrance, culture and community. The Nov. 2 celebration brought families together to honor loved ones who have passed, enjoy traditional music and folklorico performances, and celebrate the traditions that keep memories and culture alive.
“The success of this first annual celebration showed what can happen when a community shares an idea, people step forward to support it, and everyone contributes in their own way,” said event organizer Cindi Mora. “We had many people come and help, including the Cemetery District Board and even my children, Evan and Emarie Mora.”
At Soledad, events took place at the Soledad Cemetery and the Soledad Community Center on Walker Drive. The annual celebration began in Soledad four years ago.
“This community deserves to have a beautiful Día de los Muertos event to continue the traditions of the home and culture,” said Priscillia Rodriguez of Soledad Parks and Recreation. “As a person of Mexican heritage, it is an honor to be able to organize this event with my wonderful team for this community.”
The Nov. 2 event at the Soledad Community Center featured a grand altar, traditional music, cultural dance performances, themed crafts, and local food and craft vendors. A highlight was the Catrina Contest, which invited participants ages 16 and older to showcase elaborate costumes and makeup inspired by La Catrina, the iconic symbol of Día de los Muertos.
Event sponsors included Alegria Musical and the Monterey County Business Council’s Building Better Business Back.
At Gonzales High School, one feature of Día de los Muertos was an exhibit of projects created by students in Carmen Sandoval’s English language arts classes for grades 9-11.
“Following a week of instruction, students spent four days creating their own ofrendas, or altars,” Sandoval said. “Through photographs, flowers, meaningful symbols and personal touches, students expressed love, remembrance and the importance of family connections. Each altar told a story, represented a memory or celebrated a tradition.”
Along with many ofrendas on display, students and families enjoyed food, music, arts and crafts, and dance routines by the Gonzales Knights football cheer squad.
