HILLSBORO, Ore. — Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday in which families pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. It traditionally runs Nov. 1-2.
While the tradition starts the day after Halloween, and incorporates skulls and other costumes, it is not a Mexican version of Halloween.
The first observance of the holiday is unknown but it is rooted in agriculture-related beliefs from Mexico's pre-Hispanic period, said Andrés Medina a researcher at the Anthropological Research Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Catholic traditions were incorporated into the celebration after the Spanish conquest in 1521.
Families celebrate their loved ones who have passed away by creating a decorated altar usually in someone's house — known as an ofrenda — by welcoming their spirit to visit them.
Generally, families decorate their altars with their loved ones' favorite items. Things like food, drinks, flowers and skulls known as “calaveras” are placed alongside pictures of the deceased.
Día de los Muertos celebration
There are a handful of Día de los Muertos events happening in Portland and surrounding cities this week — including the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro.
The arts center will be running a two-day event with live music, dancers and an explanation of the cultural celebration with a pop-up art exhibit. This is running Nov. 1 through Nov. 2 from 5-8 p.m.
Other events include Día de los Muertos in the Portland Mercado, the Centro Cultural center in Cornelius, Milagro Theater in SE Portland, Día de los Muertos Festival at the Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center in Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District and more.