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Día de los Muertos: A Community Ofrenda installation by Mariah Romero


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Join YBH for a socially distanced Día de los Muertos installation by Mariah Romero of @houseofrarities. Mariah specializes in altar design and ceremony. Mariah and YBH are collaborating to provide the community a spiritual connection and source of healing during an uncertain time. They also believe in the importance of honoring and continuing the celebration of our cultures in the San Diego community.

The installation will be viewable from outdoors and open twenty-four hours. There will dedicated days for community members to drop off their offerings. Please see the dates and times below:

  • Friday, October 30th - 12 - 4pm

  • Saturday, October 31st - 10am-12pm

  • Sunday, November 1st - 10 -12pm

  • Monday, November 2nd - Outdoor viewing only

PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for entry. Only four people will be allowed into YBH at once. Maximum offering time will be twenty minutes.


What is the history of Día De Los Muertos?

Día De Los Muertos is a traditional celebration in Mexico to honor the spirits who came before us and loved one who have passed. Dia De Los Muertos is a two day celebration, November 1st and 2nd, where we celebrate the passageway between the real world and spirit world; a time for our deceased loved ones to come back and visit us. It is said that on November 1st, the children who have passed come back to visit as angels and on the following day, adults celebrate with large gatherings. Family members prepare for several weeks in advance for the tradition by creating altars, decorating burial sites, and cooking specific Day of the Dead food. Families gather during the night at the cemeteries, light candles, and place flowers on the burial sites for their lost loved ones. This is not a time of crying or grieving. These gatherings are reflective and celebratory, and invite families to gather and honor the deceased with love and celebration. If you are wanting to practice this Mexican tradition, here are some additional items that can be used to build your own ofrenda, honoring those who you have lost, or to make a personal offering to your ancestors. The traiditional offerings include the four elements; water, earth, fire, and air.

  • Marigolds flowers (earth)

  • Skulls (earth)

  • Papel picado (air)

  • Candles (fire)

  • Pan de muertos   

  • Food & beverages (water)

You can learn more about altar ceremony and design on the blog.