Photographs, marigolds and favorite treats helped send a simple message Saturday at Global Water: “Te recuerdo,” or “I remember you,” according to InMaricopa.
Residents came together Oct. 24 for an ofrenda celebration honoring Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that keeps the memory of departed loved ones alive through food, art and family traditions. A community altar inside Global Water featured photos and mementos contributed by residents from across Maricopa.
The ofrenda is a central part of the observance and can include multiple levels representing heaven and earth. Offerings often include marigolds and candles to guide spirits home, water to quench thirst, sugar skulls to recognize death as part of life and pan de muerto along with other favorite foods.
Vendors at the event sold pottery, books and trinkets, while food trucks served tamales, tacos and pupusas. Children also painted and decorated sugar skull cookies, and Homestead mural artist Mecca Hunter invited residents to help paint a luchador-themed scene.
The celebration also included information about Paranormal Journeys, a new Maricopa group introduced by Sara Carroll that plans movie nights, tea and tarot readings, tea leaf readings, tailgates, discussions and paranormal investigations.
