City Commemorates Día de los Muertos with Vibrant Ofrenda in Second Year Tribute to Heritage

On November 2, 2024, hundreds gathered in Maricopa for the second annual Día de los Muertos celebration, a vibrant event honoring the deceased. Participants donned face paint, masks, and flower crowns as they awaited results from a Catrina contest, celebrating La Calavera Catrina—an elegant skeletal figure representing life and death.

The celebration at Global Water Resources featured a stunning array of candles, marigolds, and pan dulce, creating an atmosphere that connected the living with their departed loved ones. This multi-day holiday intertwines Indigenous Mexican traditions with Catholic beliefs, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have passed.

Event organizer Kim Myers highlighted the significance of the occasion, explaining that during Día de los Muertos, loved ones are believed to visit the living. This connection is strengthened by the construction of ofrendas—altars adorned with photos, marigolds, candles, and other personal mementos. Unique tributes included favorite meals, drinks, and items that resonated with those commemorated.

Among the attendees was Laura Castro, who brought her husband and grandchildren, Mila and Leira Tejeda, to immerse them in their cultural heritage. “My family originally comes from the Cancún area, so it’s a great opportunity to give our grandkids a glimpse of our traditions,” she remarked as they colored placards for the ofrenda.

Last year’s celebration attracted around 800 locals, highlighting the community’s growing interest. Castro expressed hope that this event would not only be a moment of remembrance but also a legacy for future generations. “This day holds so many memories. It fuses your future with your past,” she said, emphasizing the importance of preserving these enduring traditions.