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Day of the Dead Digital Altar
In 2020, we are taking the Day of the Dead celebration virtually to keep our community safe from Covid-19.
On October 13, 2020, we held the workshop "Stories to remember our dead" to gather the photos, stories and recipes that weave the digital altar of the Day of the Dead that you will see below.
During our virtual "Velada de Muertos" on November 3, 2020, we prayed a queer rosary for liberation, we exchanged verses from Son Jarocho, we dedicated karaoke songs to our little dead, we did a meditation to heal our ancestors, we wrote little literary skulls and We closely monitor the presidential elections.
When we practice our spiritual traditions loudly and unapologetically, we are writing our own history and narrative that white supremacy wants to take away from us. We make this humble offering and ask that our ancestors continue to guide us on the path to liberation.
Digital Day of the Dead Altar
In 2020, we took our Día de Los Muertos celebrations online to keep our community safe from Covid-19.
On October 13, 2020, we held the workshop"Stories to Remember Our Dead"to gather the photos, stories, and recipes that are woven into the digital Day of the Dead altar you see below.
During our virtual"Evening of the Dead"on November 3, 2020, we prayed a queer rosary for liberation, traded Son Jarocho verses, dedicated karaoke numbers to our dead loved ones, held an ancestor healing meditation, wrote skull poems, and kept close watch on the presidential elections.
When we practice our spiritual traditions loudly and without apology, we are writing our own story and taking back the narrative from white supremacy. We make this humble offering and ask that our ancestors continue to guide us on the path toward liberation.
“Ignacia Oliver was 76 when she passed away. It’s been 15 years since she died.” (Photo sent by Josefina Hernandez)
Xochiquetzal (L), Aztec goddess of fertility, sexuality & Xochipilli (R), the “flower prince” and “patron of homosexuals” and male sex workers. Images from the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
Gemma Girón honors her late father, Jorge Girón. “His favorite foods were seafood,” Gemma says.
Mictlāntēcutli (L) is the Aztec god of the dead and the king of the lowest and northernmost section of the underworld. Cōātlīcue (R) is the the Aztec goddess who gave birth to the moon, stars, and Huītzilōpōchtli, the god of the sun and war.
The Virgin of Guadalupe
Photo submitted by Francisco Luna
Dear Grandma: / I remember your laugh - playful personality / I remember your brown eyes - smiling and bright / I remember your stories - captivating when remembering past moments / I remember your hope - that your descendants would be happy / I remember your understanding - you tried to see the world through my eyes / I remember your advice - never coming from a judgmental place / I remember your affection - free and full of love / I remember you, a light that I still carry. / I love you Grandma. Thank you for everything. /
- Len Maldonado
"Samantha Edelman. I always remember her. With much love, your friend."
-Ashley
Salt, earth, water. Key elements of the altar of the dead.
Alex Hernandez, shot and killed by Phoenix PD in April 2019.
Ryan Whitaker, shot and killed by Phoenix PD in May 2020
Muhammad Muhaymin, killed by Phoenix police in 2017
Breonna Taylor (1993 - 2020), George Floyd (1973 - 2020),
Tony McDade (1982 - 2020).
We honor them and all our Black siblings murdered by police this year.
Hector Lopez, shot and killed by Phoenix police in May 2019
Francisco Valdez, shot and killed by Phoenix PD in March 2017
Copal, palo santo, sage
Rumain Brisbon, shot and killed by Phoenix Police in December 2014. / Rumain Brison, shot and killed by Phoenix police in December 2014.
Kayden Clarke, a trans man shot and killed by Mesa Police in February 2016.
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Frida Kahlo & Chavela Vargas Marsha P. Johnson
Lorena Borjas (who died in March 2020 from Covid-19)
Berta Cáceres (1971 – 2016) Gaspar Yanga (1545 – )
Che Guevara (1928 – 1967)
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“If you want to know who you are and where you come from, follow the corn.”
"If you want to know who you are and where you come from, follow the corn."
[Quote from Our Sacred Maíz Is Our Mother: Indigeneity and Belonging in the Americas, 2014]
Two stars: Walter Mercado (left) and Juan Gabriel (right). What do they mean to you?
Two icons: Walter Mercado (left) and Juan Gabriel (right). What did these larger-than-life figures mean to you?
Offering of Pamela Escobar
"She was: Catalina, the wicked woman who defied her husband, her father, the wicked woman who sought her freedom, the black sheep who put her being before being subjugated, the Indian, the one who didn't speak Spanish well, and yet yielded the fruit of the land."
- Dora Mejia
"My grandmother Isabel Chacón Jirón, lived from 1934-1964. She was born in and lived in Temosachic, Chihuahua, Mexico. Descent: Raramuri indigenous."
- Arón Castillo
Emiliano Zapata (1879-1919)
Bety Cariño (killed in 2010)
“My cousin Jacinto Brito Raymundo”
- Pedro Kevin Raymundo
We honor our ancestors by offering them what they enjoyed during life--including their vices like cigarettes, tequila, rum, and port wine. What brands did your ancestors enjoy the most?
We honor our dead by offering them what they enjoyed while they were alive—including their vices like cigarettes, tequila, rum, and port. What brands did your dead person like best?
Chicken Mole
"My grandfather, Gertrudiz Magaña, died in 2015. He loved corn tamales with cream and hot coffee."
- Kimberly Hernandez
“This is my dad Felipe Aguilar who passed away 9 years ago and left a huge void in my heart, more because of the distance and not being able to tell him at the last minute how much I love him and say goodbye. Since I hadn’t seen him for many years 😢 He was, like any father, the pillar of my family despite his character. I was his little girl who, over time, continued to be his, he cared for me, I always felt protected while he was alive. Now I miss that love and protection. As a child I wished he would be eternal, now I know that our time comes to depart on that train of no return. I know that from infinity, somewhere spiritually, he guides and watches over me. Just think, see the universe and breathe the air and there is his presence. Eternally my beloved father!! 😢🙏”
- Krystal Ixehuatl
