For centuries in Mexico El Dia de los Muertos, of ‘The Day of Dead’, has been celebrated on November 1 and 2 as a thoughtful celebration to honor ancestors and departed loved ones.
The tradition spread to the US where large Mexican populations resided like Southern California, New Mexico and Arizona and made its way north in recent decades as more and more Mexican Americans moved to the East Coast.
Years ago Veronica Robles, director of the Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VRCC) on Meridian Street, brought the annual tradition celebrated in her native Mexico to East Boston with a day-long celebration of parades, food and the building of the traditional “Ofrendas”, or alter, that contains the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed.
On Saturday, October 30 over 300 Eastie residents and residents from neighboring communities participated in the VRCC Annual Dia de los Muertos Parade and festival.
The day-long celebration started at 2 pm with an art project led by the VRCC Dancing Elotes team and youth from the VRCC “I Learn America” facilitated by artist in residency Ruth Kathyn.
“The team decked out the Elote Bike and set up the tables under a tent where dozens of community members joined in to create and add art to the Elote Bike,” said Robles. “They added tributes to their ancestors and departed loved ones while they tasted free Elotes (Mexican Street Corn). This part of the event is supported by Boston Housing Authority and Mass Housing.”
At 5 pm, despite some rain, families wearing Catrina costumes hopped into two floats that included festive music while some adults decided to walk wearing Skull heads made of cardboard and paper by VROCC members Mayra Gutierrez and Veronica Robles. Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE), Eastie Mutual Aid and Eastie Farm also joined the parade driving decorated cars escorted by a community service officer of District A-7.
All participants greeted people along the parade route that made its way down Meridian Street to Maverick Square and ended in Central Square Park.
After the traditional parade the VROCC offered indoor multigenerational art activities that included face painting and the making of head flowers for their Catrina and Catrines crowns and hats. Eagle Hill Civic Association members were offering a free Altar Kit to take home and printing pictures so attendees were able to place the photos of their love once on the community Altar.
The night ended up with the music of Banda DE-Zero and Ultimo Minuto, two local bands and singer Carlos Arturo that made young adults dance and sing along until 11:30 pm.
The event also included food and traditional Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) and local vendors Colores de Mexico and Regalos Veroroli, The Trustees and Prestige Adult Foster Care.
“El Dia de los Muertos is one of my favorite Mexican traditions; you know why? Because it is the most thoughtful one,” said Robles. “It allows us to reflect about our lives. Also, we can share memories of our departed loved ones so we keep them alive in our hearts. This is a multi-day holiday that originated among Indigenous cultures of Mexico and is syncretized with Christianity’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1st and 2nd.”
VRCC member Daniela Gallegos added, “What they do is something so beautiful. I really feel lucky to be part of this organization and learn more about this beautiful culture, every day I fall more in love with it”. The overall intent of El Dia de los Muertos is to encourage visits by the souls, so the souls will hear the prayers and the words of the living directed to them.