MINNEAPOLIS — More than 100 people participated in lively Día de Muertos celebrations at El Colegio High School in Minneapolis. People, young and old, walked through an arch of paper flowers, excited to experience the altars created by students. Senior Daniela Rosales expressed, It’s a way of greeting our ancestors into our homes, back into our lives... it’s a way of just having the community come all together.
These cultural practices have garnered significance as tensions surrounding immigration enforcement rise. The commemoration provides a connection to lost ancestors, creating a collective spirit of resilience among U.S. Latino communities. Many feared that immigration raids would overshadow the activities, but festive spirits prevailed as participants expressed profound joy and pride.
Justin Ek, founder of Mankato’s Day of the Dead festival, shared, We decided we can't cave. Our cultural celebrations are what we need to fill our souls for what’s to come. This sentiment rings true amidst changes in laws and crackdowns that have instilled a sense of anxiety in many.
Ofrendas, or altars, play a crucial role in these celebrations. They are adorned with offerings, decorated skulls, and flowers, symbolizing comfort and remembrance. As Cary Cordova, a professor from the University of Texas explains, Day of the Dead evolved over centuries from Indigenous practices across the Americas.
In the spirit of honoring those lost, celebrants across the U.S. commemorate in a manner that balances joyous remembrance with honoring their memories. Luis Alberto Orozco noted the importance of remembering people positively because “they would want us to remember them happy.” This year, events not only symbolize grief but also a gathering force against fear, intertwining identities, heritage, and community strength.
