Families celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in Santa Maria

It’s a long standing tradition for many families on the Central Coast. Dia de los Muertos is a day to celebrate their loved ones who have passed away.

“It’s become a tradition to do it every year,” said Rosie Narez.

Narez says she uses this day to honor her family members who have died and decorates an alter with pictures of them and things they liked.

“You put out things that they loved, you put out their favorite foods their favorite things, pictures” Narez said.

This is a tradition for Hispanic and Central-American families that has been passed on from generation to generation.

“It’s believed that you put all of that out there as a feast for them and once a year they come and feast with you,” said Narez.

Paula Madrid has been coming here for the past three years.

“One of the important things to explain is that it is not the Mexican Halloween. It’s a completely different thing,” Madrid said.

She helps to keep traditions alive by selling sugar skulls painted in bright colors. She says for her, she celebrates her loved ones that have passed all year round.

“We appreciate and love and miss our loved ones and it’s not a bitter thing or sad thing to recall,” Madrid said.

This is the sixth year the City of Santa Maria has put on the event.