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Day of the Dead is a Mexican cultural tradition deeply rooted in the community. Inscribed by UNESCO in 2008 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it is celebrated every year between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 in homes and schools to remember loved ones who have passed away.
In New Bedford, Isabel Bernie keeps this ancient custom alive by setting up what is known as an altar, with offerings such as photos, candles, flowers and, above all, food that is cooked and left on the altar as a tribute to those who enjoyed those dishes in life.
Bernie says that since last year she has also been making crafts to complete an altar that sometimes lacks everything she would like to include, because the distance from Mexico keeps her from getting all the items used there.
“We held a paper embroidery workshop and took the chance to decorate these calaveritas,” Bernie explained, referring to the skull figures inspired by La Catrina, the character popularized by Mexican engraver José Guadalupe Posada.
“This is an expression of popular culture. It is not a cult of death, nor an expression of religiosity,” she said. She recalls learning these traditions in school, as a way to remember her country’s roots in pre-Hispanic cultures.
“My mother did it, cooking up to five dishes to remember her relatives. I continue that tradition too, and I hope that, together with other people, we can make a community altar here in New Bedford,” Bernie said.
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org
