This year, many Mexican Quebecers are embracing their cultural heritage by celebrating El Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This vibrant holiday honors deceased loved ones and is celebrated annually from late October to early November. In communities across Quebec, families come together to create ofrendas (altars) filled with meaningful items that pay tribute to those who have passed away.
Traditions of Día de Muertos in Quebec
Karla Frey, a resident of Boucherville, Quebec, has dedicated the past 15 years to crafting an ofrenda in her home. The tradition has taken on a profound significance this year as she remembers her late five-year-old neighbor and his mother, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident. Despite the emotional challenges, Frey completed her altar, incorporating cherished memories of the boy and his mother.
Creating Meaningful Altars
Frey’s ofrenda includes photos, candles, and traditional offerings such as pan de muerto (a special bread), papel picado (decorative paper), mezcal, tequila, and cempasúchil (Mexican marigolds). She believes these elements help invite the spirits of the departed to visit during the holiday. Frey emphasizes the importance of remembering the deceased, expressing that forgetting them is akin to causing them sadness once again.
- Altars Include:
- Photos of loved ones
- Candles to symbolize fire
- Salt for earth
- Water and mezcal for refreshment
A Bridge Between Cultures
For Frey, celebrating Día de Muertos in Quebec serves as a connection to her roots. She did not observe this holiday while living in Mexico City, making it an even more significant tradition in her new home. This cultural exchange allows her to share experiences and memories with friends and family, fostering a deeper understanding of life and death.
Gerardo Familiar Ferrer, another Mexican Quebecer residing in Gatineau, has also embraced the holiday. Sharing his experiences with Indigenous traditions in Oaxaca has deeply impacted his understanding and appreciation of Día de Muertos. At his home, he maintains an altar that honors his loved ones, signifying his respect for the customs passed down through generations.
Community Celebrations and Engagement
Throughout Quebec, events celebrating Día de Muertos are becoming more prevalent. At UNAM-Canada in Gatineau, visitors can explore an immersive exhibit that replicates the atmosphere of Mexican cemeteries, complete with marigolds, copal incense, and traditional decorations. Familiar Ferrer emphasizes that these gatherings reconnect people with their heritage and offer a unique way to experience a cultural celebration.
Rafael Benitez, co-founder of a local festival in Montreal, has leveraged this celebration to cope with his own grief after losing family members. The festival, which began as an intimate gathering, has evolved to feature themed altars and encourages intercultural dialogue. Benitez highlights that the event also honors the resilience of Indigenous peoples and their lasting impact on present customs.
A Message of Joy and Reflection
Participants in Día de Muertos share a common message: the holiday represents life, love, and memory rather than fear of death. Frey conveys that November 2 is not a day of sorrow but rather an opportunity to cherish the moments shared with departed loved ones. Her meticulous preparations for the ofrenda serve as a legacy for her daughters, instilling in them the love and traditions that she wishes to pass down.
As Mexican Quebecers continue to celebrate Día de Muertos, they preserve their rich cultural traditions and strengthen community bonds during this special time of remembrance and joy.
