Dia de los Muertos in Galveston highlights ancient traditions of Aztecs Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, or All Souls Day all provide a day for the living to honor those who have passed. While noted as a Roman Catholic or Latin American and Mexican ritual, the history can be traced to the Aztecs, said Roger Quintero, president of LULAC Chapter 151 of Galveston. “It all started with the Aztecs, long before the Spaniards arrived,” Quintero said. So, as the Galveston chapter of LULAC marks its 75th year, the Dia de los Muertos celebration on the grounds of the Galveston County Courthouse has, in its three years, become an important outreach and educational experience for the community. “It’s gotten bigger every year,” Quintero said. “And more people are coming to understand this (Aztecs) are a part of who we all are.” In many Texas communities with a significant Latino culture, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated as much as Halloween. On Saturday (10/28/2023), intertwined with music performers, vendors and the traditional Aztec dancing from Houston’s Itzcoatl Tezcatlipoca-Danza Azteca was a giant Ofrenda (altar) at the center that served as the place to honor those who have passed. Many attendees brought photos of loved ones so that all could honor their souls. Among those remembered were the students and teachers killed in the May 2018 mass murder at Santa Fe High School, Henry “Gunner” Torres, the International Longshoremen union leader who was killed in a drunk driving hit and run crash earlier this week, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, children, and even pets. “This is the heart of Dia de los Muertos,” Quintero said. “It’s something we can all participate in while enjoying each other's company.” Officially, Dia de los Muertos starts Wednesday (11/1/2023) and ends Thursday (11/2/2023).

Posted by i45NOW TJ Aulds at 2023-10-29 03:27:04 UTC