November 26, 2024
Dear ROPnet,
As we witnessed across the entire state this summer, rural Oregonians showed up together to celebrate joy and justice. Summer might be over, but community building through local events carries on! While putting their Halloween costumes away, casting their ballots, and turning their clocks back, Hood River Latino Network (HRLN) also celebrated culture, family, community, and tradition by hosting its second Dia de los Muertos celebration since the pandemic. A key theme of the celebration was honoring our ancestors by using our voices and our votes for the future, as we stand on the shoulders of giants. Tu voz, tu poder!
Over 400 people participated in the festivities with gorgeous face painting, fun crafts, yummy foods, la ofrenda (which is a special altar with photos and offerings for those who have passed), pan de muerto, and of course, LIVE MUSIC!!
What is Dia de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is a sacred celebration of life, death, culture, and change. With roots in Indigenous Central American cultures dating back more than 3,000 years, it is commonly observed every year on November 1st and 2nd. Friends and family gather together at this time to honor their departed loved ones with photos, songs, offerings, food, and remembrance.
A celebration of connection to culture, community, and tradition
Free, family-friendly events like this create the opportunity to deepen existing relationships and build new ones, celebrate beautiful Latino traditions, and bring back a taste of home. The HRLN invites local partners to attend all of their events to make connections and share the resources and opportunities they have to offer. HRLN uses multiple social media platforms, word of mouth, email, radio and powerful artwork to get the word out and invite folks to join.
These important events allow people to safely gather in the community, be proud of our heritage, and share joy and unity with neighbors, all while consistently building on the moment to advance human dignity and justice.
As we grapple with the outcomes of the recent election, we know a few important things. Together, we are powerful. Together, we will face this. And it is only together, that we will overcome this. Our values unite us, and we will look to each other and our community for both solace and strength as we move forward.
Are you hosting an event, gathering, or celebration in your community? Let us know! If you are looking to join a human dignity group in your area and build community, we can help.
Warmly,
Martha and the ROP Team
