Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) as a traditional celebration evolved from the death and funeral rites of indigenous people that inhabited the Americas in pre-Columbian times. It is widely observed in Mexico and Latin America on Nov. 1-2, in recognition that the dead still live in the hearts and memories of their loved ones.

Recognizing its significance in our community, the San Antonio Area Foundation offered its own first-ever Día de los Muertos ofrenda (altar) in 2023, giving our donors as well as staff members an opportunity to celebrate the lives of their relatives who are no longer with us.

“Last year marked the debut of the San Antonio Area Foundation’s first altar,” explained Febra Gaitan, Scholarship Associate with the Area Foundation’s Development and Donor Services (DDS) team. “It was an incredible journey for the team as they constructed, transported, and installed the altar to the Dia de los Muertos [event] at Hemisfair, famously known as Muertos Fest.”

Ofrendas usually feature photos and mementos of the deceased along with papel picado (intricately cut paper decoration), candles and favorite foods and beverages of loved ones. They are vibrant and colorful and are an essential part of the holiday celebration.

“One of my favorite moments of that evening was seeing our guests’ faces when they would walk in to see the altar and find their loved one’s photo displayed,” said Daniela Rodriguez, DDS Philanthropic Advising Assistant. “It was an experience that was new and special, especially for those who don’t practice this tradition in their culture. I am so appreciative that our team was able to create a space where they could celebrate their family/friends.”

Diana Martinez, Founder of the Sulema Vidal Fund (started in 2016 to offer scholarships to students attending San Antonio Independent School District’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy), was one of the Area Foundation’s community partners that took part in the ofrenda display. For her and many others like her, Día de los Muertos remains an important time to reflect and remember.

“It’s a day to remember your loved ones, reflect on what they have contributed to your life, and pass their stories to younger generations,” Martinez said. “For instance, my mom was my cheerleader.   Although we were poor and lived in public housing, she always encouraged me to follow my dreams. That is the reason I named the fund after her. “

The Area Foundation also hosted an official event for community members to view the altar and enjoy a reading from acclaimed poet and author Carmen Tafolla. Both events proved to be popular and paved the way for this year’s festivities.

“This year’s ofrenda is quite different from last year’s … and it will be installed at the San Antonio Area Foundation [office],” Gaitan said. This year, the committee set out to involve staff members in the creative process. It was heartwarming to see our staff community come together in such a meaningful way and learn about Día de los Muertos.”

Area Foundation staff members helped with the ofrenda installation by crafting versions of traditional cempasúchil (traditional marigold flowers). They also participated in sharing memories of loved ones who have passed on.

“This year, our altar is bigger and a lot more interactive. People can take time and sit with it and be part of it,” noted Jesus Garcia-Gonzalez, Senior Program Officer with the Area Foundation’s Community Engagement and Impact team. “It’s more immersive. We would love for the community to come by and see it.”

Interested in seeing the Area Foundation’s Día de los Muertos altar for yourself? The office is located at 155 Concord Plaza Drive, Suite 301, San Antonio, Texas 78216. Can’t make it but want to contribute to our grantmaking work supporting nonprofits keeping important cultural traditions alive? Just click here to get started.

Eric Moreno is a contributor to the San Antonio Area Foundation Marketing & Communications Storytelling Ambassador network.