WACO, TX — A Mexican tradition that dates back some 3,000 years, the ofrenda.
Dia de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday often celebrated here in Waco with a big event. With COVID-19 shutting it down, the Centex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Mayborn Museum and artist Eric Linares collaborated to create a community ofrenda where everyone is welcome.
The designer of the exhibit, Eric Linares says, "You see skulls and think it's a lot of death but in reality, it's a celebration of life."
It's set up during the Dia de Los Muertos celebration, a Mexican holiday where families honor those who have died in order to keep their memory alive.
However, this year those memories were put in jeopardy because of the Coronavirus pandemic so the Central Texas Hispanic chamber of commerce and the Mayborn museum got to work.
With the help of designer Eric Linares, they found a way to keep the cultural and rich traditions alive along with their loved one's memories.
"To be brought into a project like that just through friendships shows that we have a strong community in Waco," said Linares.
Thanks to their efforts the community has the opportunity to stop by and take part in this community ofrenda and loved ones can place pictures or items that reflect the person they are remembering.
"I would love to see this ofrenda behind me filled with pictures and items that remind people of their loved ones," said Cindee Millard, Public & Community Engagement Manager at the Mayborn Museum.
Linares says respecting, honoring and showcasing cultural traditions inside of the museum is a perfect way of teaching others of a cherished Mexican tradition while honoring the memories of their loved ones.
"You do not have to be Mexican or already do this at your house, we want this an opportunity for everyone to get a snippet of the culture, to taste it and be a part of it," said Linares.
A small way to learn something new right here in your own community.
The Mayborn Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. The ofrenda will be up until November 8th and people can pick up any pictures or items left after that day.
