(The Gate/Sonya Eldridge)
The sounds of maracas and clouds of incense filled the air as Back of the Yards residents of all ages marched the streets Sunday, Oct. 25 for the fourth annual Dia de los Muertos Walk.
Dozens of motorcyclists led the procession, which originated at Holy Cross Parish and headed north along Wood Street. Fancy ladies, children with calavera-painted faces and handmade skeleton puppets- made by Hedges Elementary, Seward Academy, Lara Academy and Peace and Education Coalition High School students- traversed neighborhood streets in honor of departed loved ones.
The procession route included a number of stops along the way, including one at Davis Square Park for a traditional Aztec Dance ritual by Danza Azteca Xochitl Quetzal, a group from Little Village in addition to a couple of other local dance troupes who organically joined the procession that day.
In the park, participants gathered around the dancers in their traditional Aztec feather headdresses and brightly beaded and embroidered costumes as they danced in formation and received blessings with incense as part of the ancient ritual.
An ofrenda, or altar, made by the Oropeza and Santoyo families was set up in front of the fieldhouse to pay homage to victims of violence, complete with photos and a list of around 60 different names of young people whose lives were cut short.
“We remember here as the dancers remind us that we will never forget those who have gone before us,” Fr. Bruce Wellems said. “We need their dance to keep our joy alive that we will remember those that have died by violence, especially in this neighborhood. We ask that their spirits remind our souls to love one another, to embrace one another, and to dance with Grupo Azteca in this dance of Dia de los Muertos.”
Claudia Alvidrez, a local artist and longtime Back of the Yards resident is on the Dia de los Muertos Annual Walk committee.
In a series of videos produced by Alvidrez, members explained the inspiration behind the community tradition which began four years ago.
The walk was born out of a resident-led Women’s Empowerment Group at Holy Cross. A recurring discussion topic was domestic violence so Alvidrez and fellow facilitator Melania Vega decided to organize a procession to honor domestic violence victims.
“The walk has changed and evolved in so many different ways throughout the years,” Alvidrez said in the video. “We started our first event with about 25-30 people present. And we hosted our first two events in a garage. We are very appreciative and are very thankful to everyone who has been supportive throughout the years, who have welcomed our ideas and collaborated with us to make the event happen.”
Vega, who was born and raised in Back of the Yards, said events like the Dia de los Muertos Walk are an important part of the cultural identity of the neighborhood. “I think it’s amazing for us to let our children know, this is who we are. It’s just priceless to show that not only to your kids but the community itself,” she added.
In another video, committee member Mayra Hernandez talked about the power of art in bringing people together while connecting them to their collective past, present and future. “Through art, there’s so much that you can learn about your history, your culture, and you can engage in the present by collaborating with other artists or bringing the community together to help you with an art project such as the Dia de los Muertos event,” Hernandez said.
Following the procession, residents gathered at Peace and Education Coalition High School for a reception which included a concert by local band, Quinto Imperio and Elevarte’s Calavera Circus. A number of local artists were also on hand selling their works.
Event organizers said they hope to work with more community residents, local businesses and organizations in the coming years as the annual tradition continues to grow. For more information, contact Dia de los Muertos Walk committee members via their Facebook page Dia de los Muertos Annual Walk in Back of the Yards.