The Leal Ofrenda honors three generations of our family. Dona Elena Portugal is the senior Matriarch of the Leal Family. She is the great grandmother (bisabuela) of Rolando. Also being honored on the altar are Don Ruben y Dona Elvira Leal & Marianita Espitia (grand parents) as well as Jesse P. Leal and Fred Bowman (fathers to Rolando & Catherine). This is the first ofrenda that our family has done and was put together by Catherine & Anabelle Leal.
Author: cascabelgroup
Gina Weber
I was asked to do an altar for Mexican Day of the Dead (dia de Los muertos). I said, I’m Jewish. It’s okay do one anyway! I did one representing the sacred tradition of remembering our dear departed ones. I included explanations of the Kaddish, and why we leave stones in our graves after visiting (from Oct. 2012).
Gerardo Belanga
Faz-Gil Family
Ermilo Ramirez
His name was Ermilo Ramirez he was born in Hondo Texas. He was the youngest of 5 kids and was raised here in Dallas. He was a proud Tejano, he loved his Tejano music and dancing the night away. Every time we want to remember him we put on some Gary Hobbes and drink some tequila. He loved the night life and closing down the bars lol. He was also kind and compassionate, if ever you needed something he was there. He had a big love for people, his friends and his family.
Antonio Gutierrez
So, my grandpa is Antonio Gutierrez.
He was born in 1930 and he passed away 4/11/2019. I remember my grandpa could do anything! Even though he didn’t have a “traditional education”, he knew a lot and taught us soo much. He was firm but fair. Even though he was stern, he was so loving with with his family. He was a hard worker but always made time for his family.
He liked to play cards, dominoes and have a drink with the guys when we gathered. I remember his drink of choice would be Coke and Presidente. Although he would take a Miller Lite too. I remember He always had a handkerchief with him, to wipe the sweat from his brow as worked. He loved sweets. Any sweets. He would really like the strawberry cake I would make and ice cream. He loved music. La Puerta Negra was his go to song or anything from Vicente Fernandez. He was the best.. and I stand by my words when I say they don’t make them like my grandpa anymore.
The Maldonado Family
An Ofrenda for Javier Rodriguez
Gracias for letting me express my feelings to you all. My son passed away 5 years ago and is missed dearly. He was the sweetest boy. He would always think about others before himself and would never ever talk back to anyone. We miss him lot’s and wish we could turn back time. RIP Gordo (as I would call him).
-Rosie Rodriguez & Family
Bertha M. Torres, An Ofrenda by the Torres Family
Bertha M. Torres
Born 7.16.1935 and Passed 05.21.17
She was married for over 60 years and had nine children. She lived to see her 82nd birthday and was the strong arm and center of the family. She helped raised 26 grandchildren, 52 great -grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild. She is missed by the whole greatly.
About My Mother, An Ofrenda by Patricia Faz “Chula”
My mother, Patricia Gil Faz. I called her ama, we had our moments. We butted heads and we both knew what to say to get under each others skin. My Spanish is not the best and I knew a lot got lost when we spoke. But she would throw some hard words at me “ eres una piedra en mi zapato Chula”. Then we would have great moments, she taught us to be loving and treat people with respect. To take care and trust family because that’s what we have. She was raised by two strong women and she passed that strength to her children and grandchildren. She had an amazing laugh that was contagious and she brought out the best in people. I always saw her helping others no matter if they can repay the favor back or not. Everyone was her favorite and she would tell you if you were. I wish my daughter and son could have met her and knew how much love she had for them. I love her so much and miss those moments when she would reach over and hold my hand. Now I have these beautiful memories that I get to pass on to my children.
Video Ofrenda by El Centro College’s Mexican-American Studies Class
Students from Mexican-American Studies (HUMA 1305) are a rowdy and talented bunch of young people (and not so young!) who come together every week to discuss the history and culture of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. We honor this culture as being native to this country, not immigrant. We acknowledge the legacy of colonization, racism and oppression while uplifting the stories of struggle, resistance, organizing, creativity and love from within the community. We listen to music, read plays and discuss the important role of cross-cultural exchange in our modern context. We thank the culture bearers in Dallas for inviting us to share our story! Professor Vanessa Mercado-Taylor is an Indigena Mexicana/Colombiana artist and educator who every day gets the amazing privilege of speaking to students about art and culture while helping them find their voice and power in their communities.