Instead of mourning the death of a loved one, a celebration of remembrance is held in the person’s honor by the family of the deceased. The Day of the Dead—or El Día de Los Muertos—is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. Its origin is believed to go back to the Olmecs, a Pre-Columbian society of the south-central portion of Mexico. Day of the Dead began approximately 3,000 years ago and it became a ritual the Aztec people practiced. It is celebrated in Mexico, other Latin countries and in parts of the United States with Hispanic populations.

To the indigenous people of Mexico, death was considered a passage to new life. The ritual is a spiritual vigil, which honors the souls of the dead. Nov. 1, All Saints Day, celebrates the lives of infants and young children who have died and Nov. 2, All Souls Day, celebrates the lives of the adults who have passed away, according to the Roman Catholic Church. Traditionally, the Day of the Dead also has to do with the seasons of planting the marigold flowers (in Spanish, it’s called Cempasúchil) in late summer, which is when families begin preparing for the Day of the Dead celebration. The scent of this flower is said to draw the spirits to their homes.

People who are unfamiliar with the Day of the Dead celebration and don’t understand the meaning of it often believe it’s a grim remembrance. However, those who celebrate this ritual believe it gives loved ones an opportunity to honor and celebrate the deceased.

Many people take part in the Day of the Dead ceremonies, but before 2000, no organized events were held in Santa Rosa. Luz Navarrette, a counselor at SRJC’s Healthcare Workforce, changed this. Navarrette, who immigrated to the United States when she was young, has always had a connection with the realm of spirits. She recalls her cousin Carlos’ (who had since passed away) voice guiding her to organize a celebration at the Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. Carlos always told her, “If anyone can do this, you can!” Navarrette had no idea how she was going to organize such an event. Everyone was fearful to have the event held in the square because it had never been done before.

Having to submit a proposal to the City of Santa Rosa to organize an event like Day of the Dead was difficult at first because of restrictions. Such restrictions included a fear that gangs would come and cause trouble, and the gathering of homeless and mentally unstable people around the square. Navarrette was hesitant. She spoke to Benjamin Foley, an SRJC anthropology instructor at the time, about traditions. She asked Foley’s opinion about holding a Day of the Dead in Santa Rosa. Foley told her that the traditions are created and evolved by people, so why didn’t she start the tradition to see what happens when people go out there?

Building altars for the deceased is a traditional part of the Day of the Dead celebration. They consist of an arch covered with marigolds; the arch symbolizes the headboard of a bed for those who have died and the arching heavens. The altars often contain images of the Virgin Mary and photos of the deceased, but have many offerings placed on them providing a reminder of the deceased’s favorite things. Some common offerings are: “Pan de Muerto” (also known as Bread of the Dead), flowers (including marigolds), water, fruit, sesame seeds, pumpkins, tamales, chocolate, mole (a thick, chocolate-tinged sauce used in Mexican cuisine), sugar cane, sugar skulls and other foods.

Navarrette, whose 12-year-old daughter Estrella lost her battle to Leukemia in 1995, places pizza and Reese’s Pieces candy on her altar in celebration of her daughter.

More organizations in Santa Rosa are becoming involved in the annual Day of the Dead two-day celebration. This year, Roseland University Prep High School is doing an altar, as are Santa Rosa High School and the Indian Health Center. The SRJC Doyle Library is also participating in the festivities by reading bilingual stories to children about Day of the Dead.

Navarrette confirms that the Santa Rosa Day of the Dead celebration has evolved within the last 10 years. No longer just a traditional Mexican celebration, it has become Santa Rosa’s own, created based on the participants involved in this celebration. It’s also evolved into a tradition for children, who are learning about Day of the Dead. Navarrette and the SRJC Multicultural Committee and Santa Rosa Día de Los Muertos Committee members have worked hard to keep out any commercialization so children aren’t confused about the meaning behind Day of the Dead.

Navarrette, along with her fellow SRJC Multicultural Committee and Santa Rosa Día de Los Muertos Committee members held their first fundraiser for the Day of the Dead celebration on Oct. 16 at the Bertolini Student Center Dining Commons. It was here where the community and participants came together to help raise money through a silent art auction, which will help fund this annual event at Old Courthouse Square.

Elvia Parmelee, who has worked with Navarrette as an organizer for the Day of the Dead celebration for the past five years, has visited businesses asking for food donations. According to Parmelee, they have been very generous. Parmelee feels the Day of the Dead celebration has contributed to the community by educating others about the Hispanic culture. “It’s not only bringing the people from the Hispanic culture together, but it’s also involving the rest of the neighborhood. It’s an experience.”

The Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days, with different activities being held throughout each day. The community is invited to gather at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa to remember, honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed on. For more information, call the Santa Rosa Día de Los Muertos Committee at 707-524-1559