In many Latino communities, the day after Halloween, Día de los Muertos, isn’t about mourning or being afraid of death — it’s a vibrant, joyful celebration of life and memory. Wausau’s Latino community, supported by Healthy Opportunities for Latin Americans (HOLA), is no different. On Nov. 7, HOLA is inviting the broader community to share in that tradition during its fourth annual Día de los Muertos event at Community Partners Campus, offering a space to learn, celebrate and honor lost loved ones together.
The event will be a hub of activity for families, with free face painting, storytelling for kids, traditional folkloric dance performances and food from Three Amigos and C & K Creations food trucks. Guests can also capture memories with instant prints at the photo booth and compete in a costume contest for all ages.
The holiday is rooted in two worlds that collided centuries ago: the Catholic observance of All Saints Day, brought to the New World by Spanish missionaries, and traditions of indigenous Americans. Ancient Mexican civilizations like the Aztecs and the Toltecs didn’t consider death the end of one’s existence but simply another chapter of life — so rather than grieve the dead, they celebrated the lives of the deceased and honored their memories.
Hundreds of years later, the holiday has grown out of Mexico and spread to Latino communities across the world — even Wausau. At HOLA’s upcoming celebration, attendees are encouraged to partake in the ancient tradition by bringing a photo of a deceased loved one to add to the community altar, or ofrenda.
“The altars are made of things like their favorite food, favorite picture, just things that made [loved ones] happy,” said Carolina Ornelas, HOLA board member. “It’s not about being afraid, it’s about remembering them.”
Ornelas said the holiday is closer in spirit to Thanksgiving than Halloween, noting it’s a time for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
“As a kid it was exciting,” she said. “It wasn’t about a costume, it wasn’t about getting candies, it was about going to the cemetery with the family. To spend time and to remember, you know, ‘Do you remember when Grandpa taught you how to do this?’ You know, to remember them.”
Despite the focus on deceased loved ones, it’s not a somber affair. It’s about celebrating and honoring their legacy. Ornelas learned this to a deeper extent when her mother passed away seven years ago.
“The first year it was horrible, crying, missing her every day,” Ornelas said. “But now at Día de los Muertos I like to set up a picture and I try to remember — she was a doctor — all the people she helped, all the ways she sympathized with the families. That’s how I ended up working in a hospital because of her — I’m a translator — because of that sympathy that she showed in her life ... You have to think about all the beautiful things that they did and that they live within you.”
While the event is centered on Latino traditions, the entire community is welcome, even encouraged, to participate.
“Joining this event is learning about each other and I think that’s important,” Ornelas said. “You learn something new about your neighbor and then you don’t feel afraid of why these people are lighting candles instead of wearing a costume, you know? It’s a learning experience.”
The event adds a special element to HOLA’s mission of providing critical family support, healthcare assistance and advocacy across several counties.
“It feeds our soul,” Ornelas said. “We are humans and when we are well fed and dressed, we’re happy. But then when we go to a cultural event, it feeds our soul and then we feel integrated with the community. HOLA is helping with the clinic, with the food, with the shelter, with the shoes, but it is also feeding our spirit.”
HOLA’s Day of the Dead celebration is Saturday, Nov. 7, at Community Partners Campus in Wausau, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for anyone over 12 years old.
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