Día de Los Muertos parade honors 3,000-year-old tradition

Chelan – The Chelan Valley hosted its second ever Día de Los Muertos parade to help honor both the deceased and a tradition tracing back over 3,000 years.

The parade was held on Sunday, Oct. 29 and saw exceptional community turnout. It began at the corner of N. Columbia Street and W. Woodin Ave. and spanned historic downtown. Enthusiastic community members gathered to watch as people adorned in traditional calavera (skull) makeup and paper mache caretas (masks) took the street in celebration.

Día de Los Muertos is traditionally a three-day holiday observed annually on Nov. 2 to help celebrate deceased ancestors. On this holiday, the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors is combined with the spirit of All Souls Day, a day for praying for the souls of those who have passed on.

On Día de Los Muertos it is said that the border between the living world and the spirit world disappears temporarily, and the souls of the deceased are reunited with their families.

Chelan’s first Día de Los Muertos parade took place in 2019. It was originally an effort of the Historic Downtown Chelan Association and headed by Erin McCardle and Todos Unidos Club, a Chelan High School club honoring diversity and cultural awareness.

This year’s parade was a team effort between the HDCA, ¡Hola! Chelan, and the Lake Chelan Chamber with presenting sponsor, Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana. With a broad show of community support and honor for diversity within our valley, coordinators hope to help carry on this tradition for many years to come.

Katie Lindert: 509-731-3211 or katie@ward.media