‘The Day of the Dead’ is More Than a Time of Remembrance

By Ximena Ayala
Staff writer
Email: thehutchinsoncollegian@gmail.com

Every November, vibrant marigolds, sweet scents of “pan dulce”, and the soft glow of candles fill the homes of those who celebrate “El Dia de Los Muertos”.

It’s a time when love transcends generations, when the living and the dead reunite. Known as the Day of the Dead, this tradition, passed down from generation to generation, is a time of remembrance and celebration for our loved ones who have passed away.

For many, this might be considered just another tradition, but in reality, there is something deeper and more real – honoring loved ones, remembering them with affection, and having the hope of being able to reunite with the souls of people loved.

At Hutchinson Community College, sophomore Ruby Tovar-Contreras shared how her family honors this tradition, one that connects her not only to her ancestors, but to her culture and community.

“My family usually celebrates ‘Día de los Muertos’ over the course of two days,” Tovar-Contreras said. “From midnight to midday on Nov. 1, we welcome the souls of those who died young. We set out an ‘ofrenda’ with ‘pan dulce’, hot chocolate and other sweets. The next day, we honor the grown-up souls with food like flautas, tacos and salsa.”

The “ofrenda”, also known as the altar, is the center of the celebration. Families decorate it with candles, flowers, photos, and the favorite foods of their deceased loved ones. But for the Tovar-Contreras family, it’s not the decorations that matter most, but the intention behind them.

“It means honoring the ones who came before us even if we don’t have pictures of them,” Tova-Contreras said. “It connects us as family.”

Her words capture the soul of “Día de los Muertos”: remembrance without sorrow, love without loss.

Though some details change each year, her family’s ‘ofrenda’ always reflects care and creativity.

“We don’t have too many pictures of our family, so we mostly focus on the physical side, the foods, desserts and drinks that were beloved by our ancestors and by us today,” Tovar-Contreras said.

Beyond the colorful decorations, what stays with her most are the moments of tranquility.

“When it’s quiet during the night on Nov. 1 or 2, it’s comforting knowing that our family is always there,” she said.

One of her most cherished memories is from the year her mother first explained the tradition to her young niece.

“She immediately made a paper boat for my ‘abuelo’ who passed earlier that year,” Tovar-Contreras said. “It was such a pure, sweet gesture.”

For Tovar-Contreras and many others, the Day of the Dead is more than a cultural celebration; it’s a reminder of belonging and community. Through candles, offerings and prayers, families from different generations are united once again.

As the first days of November approach, the message of ‘Día de los Muertos’ resonates in the homes that celebrate this tradition – love never fades, and remembrance keeps it alive. At Hutchinson Community College, students like Ruby Tovar-Contreras help keep that spirit alive.

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