Utah leaders honor Day of the Dead with annual proclamation
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Utah leaders signed the annual Dia de los Muertos proclamation during a Day of the Dead celebration Saturday, honoring the cultural significance of the Latin American holiday.
Dia de los Muertos is a celebration for remembering and honoring the dead that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall presented a proclamation during Saturday's event at Trolley Square, declaring Nov. 1 and 2 a local holiday.
"I encourage all residents to participate in the celebration, to learn about this wonderful tradition and to join us in honoring and commemorating our ancestors and loved ones," Mendenhall said.
Saturday's celebration included song and dance performances, as well as booths selling tacos, candy, clothing and jewelry. Face painters adorned visitors with sugar skull motifs. A large ofrenda, or altar, displayed photos of loved ones along with clothing, flowers, blankets, sugar skulls and food.
"Salt Lake City has celebrated this opportunity and this event every year with a proclamation," Mendenhall said. "It's a tradition that we love to attend, I think, just as Salt Lakers, to come to Trolley Square, see the altars and participate in this beautiful cross-cultural opportunity."
Rocio Mejia, executive director and founder of the nonprofit Una Mano Amiga, has organized the event for six years. She emigrated from Mexico at age 14, lived in California for 18 years and has spent the last 35 years in Utah.
"When I left my country, I brought my culture with me," she said. "The reason we celebrate (Dia de los Muertos) is to remember our loved ones who passed away. … We believe in a culture that remembers them and celebrates them, and shows that (death) is nothing scary."
Connecting it to the larger Utah community, Mejia added, "Everyone knows the pain of losing loved ones. … This event is held annually to allow people from all walks of life and cultures to celebrate those we have lost over the years, and remember their legacy."
Other Utah leaders participating in the event were Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, and Mexican Consul Eduardo Baca.
Baca said Dia de los Muertos is an opportunity to celebrate loved ones: "It is a time to share stories, laughter and tears," he said.
"This is a tradition that transcends Mexico's border and connects us to the local community."
