Día de los Muertos in Colonia Oaxaca

What a day! Cempasúchil everywhere — worn as tiaras, hanging on walls, forming magnificent arches, and scattered on the ground, guiding the way for our beloved ones who have passed away. The community, made up mostly of people from southern Mexico, came together to honor and remember their loved ones.

We had the honor of being invited into six homes, where families welcomed us to see their ofrendas and shared stories of their children, parents, the abuela, the tío who loved mole, and the primo who enjoyed his cerveza. Each story was told with love and deep respect.

The community also shared their delicious food — caldo de res, with recipes passed down through generations; mole oaxaqueño, so flavorful and perfectly spicy; atole, frijolitos, and of course, handmade tortillas — from the comal to the palate. It was an exquisite culinary experience. All the guests praised the ofrendas, the food, and the heartfelt stories.

Our camino began at El Castillo Community Center, where Teacher Alba, along with her team of volunteers and friends, welcomed us as the first casa on our route. From there, we walked through the streets of Colonia Oaxaca, singing songs, tossing cempasúchil petals into the air, and heading to the next home. The six host families were outstanding, kind, and generous — a true embodiment of the Mexican saying, “Mi casa, su casa” — my house is your house.

Thank you to everyone who made this wonderful celebration possible. We hope you had as special a day as we did. Thank you, Colonia Oaxaca.