In New Bedford, October is filled with pumpkins and costumes. But among the migrant community, the tradition follows a different rhythm. Many prefer to wait until Nov. 1, light candles, and remember those who are no longer with them.
Even so, the new generations are beginning to adopt local customs. Children, especially, don’t want to miss out on a celebration that fills schools and streets with its scents and colors.
“We celebrate All Saints’ Day and spend time with our family,” explained Giselle Núñez, a member of the Christian youth community at the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
That doesn’t mean that young people abstain from participating in Halloween, as emphasized by Alessandra Hernández, another member of the community. “In my family, we don’t celebrate Halloween; however, my sister and I go out to collect candy,” she said.
Daisy Guzmán shared that she was used to visiting the cemetery on this date, lighting candles, bringing food, and sharing with her family. “That is our tradition in Guatemala, but here it is different,” she said.
Emily Quin and her mother, Manuela, seem to be more accustomed to this celebration. For Manuela, it is something new, but she always accompanies her daughter when she goes out to collect candy. “For me, Halloween is a day when you can dress up, go out, and meet other people who are also looking to have a fun day,” said Emily Quin.
“It’s something new for me, but I go because the children enjoy going out,” added Manuela Quin, who believes the tradition is very strong at school and that it’s natural for her children to want to participate to feel included. “I think they enjoy participating because their classmates at school talk about it, and for them, it has already become part of their culture,” she said.
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org.
My mom spent Halloween with us after my father passed away. She participated and had fun seeing our regular peeps and giving to the neighborhood is ds. My mom has since passed and each year I give out to the parents a momentum item in remembrance of my mom. They remember her sitting in a chair covered in a blanket sometime dressed for Halloween. Fooling many that she was a prop. She would help me pack the treats for the neighbors and trick or treaters. We do it, remembering her with us.neven though, I think of her everyday! The proof is in the posts! Miss her much!