By Grace Bellinghausen, Reporter
Bellevue Berry farm has long been a fall and Halloween attraction for families in Omaha. For the past three years, they’ve extended their operation to host Day of the Dead, which draws thousands of attendees every year.
Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos, originated in Mexico but is now also widely celebrated in the U.S. Colorful dresses and storytelling as well as traditional music and food have helped to change the tone surrounding the afterlife by celebrating the good times with departed loved ones.
One event during this year’s celebration was a fashion show including Miss Teen Nebraska Latina title holders as well as Miss Nebraska Teen Universe 2021. One attendee, Casey Fenton, said she went to the event with a friend and her sisters.
“I just wanted to come out and have a great day with my family, enjoying the food and the little concert that they had and the fashion show we had earlier,” Fenton said. “Just a bunch of events to make a great day.”
Day of the Dead is actually a two-day holiday, celebrating the lives of children who’ve passed on Nov. 1 and adults who have passed on Nov. 2.
Altars, or ofrendas, depict images of loved ones surrounded by the things they enjoyed most in their life. Another tradition involves women painting their faces to depict “la catrina,” a rich skeleton lady in a floral hat.
One attendee dressed as La Catrina, Wendy Garcia, said she looks forward to the holiday every year.
“It means so much to me, it’s a great way to show your love to the dead loved ones.” Garcia said. “I really like to put out flowers and la musica.”
Day of the dead is not Mexican Halloween; it is more similar to Memorial Day. It’s different from its Celtic neighbor holiday in that the Meso-Americans traditionally don’t view Spirits as entities to be warded off. Instead they celebrate them with joy and hospitality.
The traditions of Day of the Dead were Christianized after colonization and renamed “All Saints” and “All Souls” Day, but the altars and celebrations can be traced back over 2000 years.
