A tradition that pre-dates Spanish arrival in Mexico is cradled in the hands of Waco artist Rocio Ramirez-Landoll.
Dia de los Muertos honors the deceased every November 1st and 2nd.
"We are not sad. It is part of life," said Ramirez-Landoll.
Her hands placed the marigold petals at the foot of the ofrenda. Their color and scent guides the spirits to the altar. Each element is carefully placed and dripping in symbolism and substance.
"It is very special to see the ofrenda in the U.S., and I want to share my traditions from Mexico. I want to learn about the other cultures," said Ramirez-Landoll.
For former Waco ISD art teacher Deborah Reed-Propst, it is an education of culture.
"To celebrate the fact that people have passed on, but their soul is still alive," said Reed-Propst.
The pain of losing a loved one is now mixed with joy during the celebration to honor them.
"I like the community feeling that the ofrenda brings. It's sad and happy at the same time. I like that melancholy feeling about it," said Reed-Propst.
The great Mexican poet and writer Octavio Paz once said no one dies from death, we die from living.
"What does that mean to you?" asked 25 News anchor Lindsay Liepman to Ramirez-Landoll.
"In this life, we are here for a short time, no? And we need to enjoy life," Ramirez-Landoll responded.
A Dia de los Muertos Festival is planned Saturday, November 2nd at the South Waco Rec Center starting at 6:30 pm. You can find more information by clicking here.
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