Celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Chicano Ink Cultural Center hosted a celebration for Dia de Los Muertos today.

“Kind of teaching the children where we come from and kind of going back to our roots and honoring our elders that way and our ancestors who passed on,” said Gina “Itzpapalotzin” Roman, Director of Chicano Ink Cultural Center.

The celebration is meant to honor ancestors, and even included aztec dances, along with a closing ceremony.

However, to some it means more than just celebrating those they have lost.

“I think it just boils down to love that love that we continue to have for our ancestors and our loved ones and to continue to spread that love to others also through remembrance of them,” said Monique Torres the owner of Mo’s Calakas.

Torres has been celebrating  by painting faces for the holiday for the past thirteen years in remembrance of her friend who passed away.

“To me its an honor each person that I get to paint whether it be a child or adult... that’s a way for me to keep honoring our ancestors and just our the culture itself,” said Torres.

The event had works of art on display, a shrine to place photos or signs of your loved ones, and Mexican delicacies from local vendors.

Roman is also able to explain overall why this celebration means so much to people.

“But we’re the ones still mourning them and hurting for them so every year we get a chance to remember them… this is our way of healing for the loss that we've had.”

The center hopes to continue celebrating and hosting this event in the years to come.