By Marissa Amoni –
Day of the Dead, or “Dia de los Muertos” in Spanish, is really a happy holiday. It’s a celebration to honor the dead, and Jose Torres has made it his mission to keep the tradition alive.
In 2009, Torres held the first Day of the Dead celebration at Prisco Community Center in Aurora. Torres said the event started with approximately 60 participants in its inaugural year. Last year’s event had more than 600, he said.
Torres founded Athziry Dia de Los Muertos, a nonprofit that uses the event to raise funds for scholarships for Aurora area students. Torres said it is his passion to educate the community on a beautiful culture.
The event has moved around over the last nine years, but it will return to downtown Aurora this year when is will be a partner with First Fridays events to make it a monumental celebration.
There will be sugar skulls, marigolds, and overflowing altars in downtown Aurora as part of the First Fridays’ Day of the Dead celebration Friday, Nov. 2.
Torres collaborated with many First Fridays’ venues, as well as other downtown venues, for the festivities that will start with a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. at Aurora Public Art, inside the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place.
The community celebration will occur outdoors from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., weather dependent, in the SciTech Hands On Museum city parking lot at Benton Street and Stolp Avenue.
The celebration includes Aztec dancers, food vendors, and traditional Day of the Dead activities. Indoor activities will be held at Santori Public Library of Aurora, 101 S. River Street, and an art show will be held at If These Walls Could Talk, 32 S. Stolp Avenue.
Traditional ofrendas, or offerings, placed on altars will be on display at the library. A community altar will be set up on the first floor of Aurora Public Art, and the public is encouraged to bring photos of lost loved ones. Ofrendas are typically favorite items such as candy, baked goods, fruit, and photos that are placed on makeshift altars to honor the deceased.
Because Day of the Dead is really about celebrating and honoring the dead, it’s fitting that the festivities will bring the community together for a lively, colorful holiday.
“It’s all about remembering our loved ones,” Torres said.
For more information on First Fridays and the Day of the Dead celebration, visit www.auroradowntown.org.
Marissa Amoni is the event coordinator for Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit of business and property owners. Upcoming events include Trick or Treat in downtown Aurora Saturday, Oct. 27 from noon to 3 p.m. and Winter Lights Friday, Nov. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Follow downtownaurora on Instagram and Aurora Downtown on Facebook.