By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times
Wildwood Park was filled with music, smiling faces and the spirit of remembrance on November 2nd as the community gathered to celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
Despite the cool weather and occasional raindrops, spirits remained high, though guests came prepared with coats and enjoyed warm cups of champurrado, a traditional Mexican hot chocolate drink. Guests also enjoyed pan dulce, a sweet bread, and a variety of other dishes that were brought in potluck style. There was plenty of food and guests were welcome to help themselves.
The crowd was serenaded by Mariachitlan PDX, a 6-piece mariachi band. The lively music showcased two violins, a guitarrón bass guitar, a small vihuela guitar, two trumpets, and strong vocals.
Children gathered for one of their favorite events. Ever a moving target, this piñata was a tough one to crack. The children waited in line for their chance to try. They watched as the piñata was raised and lowered making it a hard target to hit. The suspense built with each swing until, at last, a small crack appeared, sending some of the candy bouncing onto the pavement. A few more determined whacks, and the piñata burst open. The children scrambled and the treats were quickly pocketed.
One of the tables in the covered area held a colorful display of photos, mementos, and offerings brought in by community members of friends and family who have passed. The altar, known as an ofrenda (offering), is a cherished part of the celebration. In addition to the treasured items of the dead, the altar can display candles, marigolds, monarch butterflies, and offerings of food or drink. Papal picado or paper banners are draped around the altar and throughout the area. These elements create a colorful and heartwarming display.
This celebration is one of the events sponsored by a local nonprofit, Mount Hood Unida (United Mount Hood). The group hosts events throughout the year and offers several programs to the community.
One of the sponsored programs is the Saul Gallegos Ruiz Scholarship which helps families pay for the cost of athletic programs. Another program Una Voz, or One Voice, encourages students to share their experiences and those of their families – to share their Voz with the community.
Cristina Saldivar, Vice President of Mount Hood Unida, grew up in the Mount Hood area. She describes the nonprofit as a way for Latino families to tell their stories.
Saldivar emphasizes the importance of community partnerships. She says, “We are excited about collaborating with other community partners like the Mount Hood Lions Club, Hoodland Library, and so many others to uplift and support the community.”
“It’s one of the things we love about our culture,” Saldivar explains. “This is us being able to share stories about who we are. It can look like sharing a meal; it can look like dancing together, and all members of the community are welcome to celebrate and learn about our culture.”
Learn more about Mount Hood Unida, and ways to support its outreach at www.mthoodunida.org. Mount Hood Unida is an Oregon nonprofit corporation tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.