Families honor the dead at Día de los Muertos ceremony in Sherman Heights

On top of one of the altars set up in memory of community members, Anel Sandoval placed a picture frame holding a photo of her late father, Domingo Sandoval.

For Día de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), which was observed on Sunday, Sandoval returned to the Sherman Heights Community Center where she had once volunteered. She went to honor her father, a longtime Sherman Heights resident who first brought the traditional holiday that pays tribute to the dead to the community center in 1994.

“I am very proud of him,” said Sandoval, who was joined by her mother, Elia Pérez, as she spoke about the tradition passed down from her father, who was a native of Oaxaca, Mexico, and who died eight years ago.

The photo on the ofrenda — a Spanish word meaning “offering” — showed her father standing in the middle of a garden full of marigolds. He used to grow the bright orange flowers in the courtyard next to the Sherman Heights Community Center. The marigold is believed to guide spirits to the altars.

Thirty-one years ago, Domingo Sandova began setting up Día de Muertos altars, which honor and welcome deceased loved ones who are believed to return to the world of the living for the Mexican holiday. He wanted to give the community a way to remember their loved ones.

On Sunday, the community center concluded three weeks of Day of the Dead-related activities with an evening procession. More than 30 community altars were decorated with photos of loved ones, marigolds, candles and their favorite foods.

In front of one of them, a father held his two daughters’ hands as he looked at photographs of friends who had passed away and talked to his children about them.

Community center Executive Director Daniela Kelly stressed the value of passing this tradition onto future generations. “Intergenerational education has always been a fundamental aspect of this celebration in Sherman Heights,” she said.

She said it is common for grandparents or parents to talk to their children or grandchildren about the tradition. “It’s a way to cultivate family closeness, share stories about loved ones… and learn more about the family tree,” she said.

The event has grown over the years in both community support and interest in setting up altars. “It is an honor for us to host this celebration,” Kelly said.

Sandoval was a teenager when her late father set up the first altars. She recalled that, at the time, there were only three or four. She said Sunday was her first time visiting the center since her dad died.

“It’s great to see so many people come out and continue the tradition,” said Elia Pérez.

Prior to the procession, colorful danza folklórica groups, wearing marigold crowns and sombreros decorated with bright lights, and other artists showcased Mexican music as part of the event. The procession was set to go through the neighborhood, where some of the homes were decorated for the occasion.

A group that included Danza Azteca dancers joined the candlelight procession after walking from the Centro Cultural de la Raza.