TIETON, Wash. – The Mighty Tieton Warehouse hosted its 15th annual Day of the Dead celebration, inviting the community to immerse themselves in the culture that makes this event special. Between 1,000 and 2,000 people gathered to celebrate Día de los Muertos, officially recognized next week, focusing on themes of love and remembrance.
“It’s definitely a day for remembrance and reflection and just celebrating those people that we’ve lost,” said Rosie Saldana, the event’s program director. She emphasized that Día de los Muertos is an inclusive celebration.
“Day of the Dead is meant for everyone. Everybody’s lost somebody, everybody’s experienced that in their life. And the day is just really to just remember these people, celebrate them, think about memories, celebrate life, think about all those things,” she said.
The event offered educational insights into the history of the day, including the significance of La Catrina.
“The Catrina has become a symbol of Day of the Dead,” Saldana said. “Some people also try to dress up like maybe a family member or something to also bring that back. And, you know, they’re deceased and they’re coming back.”
The warehouse featured an ofrenda, a traditional altar with offerings, allowing participants to honor those who have passed.
“That’s where you put the photos of your loved ones. Adding food is something and sometimes you make it specific to what that person liked. There’s also like incense and candles and marigolds, and all of them are super symbolic. It’s just like a lot of spiritual, symbolic meaning,” Saldana explained.
Saldana, who did not grow up in a traditional setting, shared how these celebrations have deepened her connection to her culture.
“It’s really helped me get closer to my culture and just learn more about everything. I’m connecting more with family and connecting more with those traditional roots. I’m a proud Chicana, I’ve grown up here, I don’t speak Spanish, but like the more I embed myself in this, the more I’m learning and the more I’m just I love, I love it,” she said.
Although hesitant to host the celebration this year, Saldana realized the importance of creating a space to learn and celebrate her culture.
“Things are happening in our world, but I feel like doing the celebration and having this space is a way for our culture to say, we’re here, we’re proud and we enjoy and we are allowed to have joy in our lives. Just representing the beautiful culture and the beautiful people that make Yakima in this area what it is. Without the people and the culture, it wouldn’t be as vibrant and as fruitful as it is,” Saldana said.
Saldana mentioned that the murals and ofrendas will remain on display for the official Día de los Muertos next week. More information is available on their website.
