Strathearn Historical Park's Dia de los Muertos Celebration

SIMI VALLEY--- The Celebration for The Day of the Dead has begun and the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley has gone all out.

Ofrenda (altar) at the Historical Society and Museum

The Historical Society and Museum is home to Simi Valley's historical buildings, sites and landmarks. The Dia de los Muertos celebration took place on October 24th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hillside Middle School teacher Kim Tomimitsu teaches her students about the famous Mexican Holiday and comes almost every year to celebrate. She says this year's turnout looks larger than previous ones.

“It actually seems a little bit busier this year, in a very good way,” Tomimitsu said. “We’ve had rain years, we had a year where the Dodgers played and… there wasn’t a big male turn out here.”

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that takes place from November first to November second. It is celebrated with parades, parties, events and other forms of festivities. It is believed that for two days, the door between the living realm and the dead realm is opened, and the dead come to visit their living family. The holiday not only honors dead loved ones, but also celebrates the life they once lived.

The celebration involves people making alters for their dead family members with their photos, flowers, food, drinks and personal mementos of the person being remembered. They place trails of marigold, which is believed to help the dead find their way back to the living.

The museum displayed the altars for loved ones that passed, showcased mariachi bands and folklorico dances and had activities and vendors for their guests.

Danielle Ramirez, the violinist in Mariachi Camarillo says she is happy to be performing at the Strathearn Park event.

“Every year we put an altar up, but it’s also very special,” Ramirez said. “We get to always come out and play for the community. And we do lots of events throughout the community for Day of the Dead.”

Mariachi Camarillo has been playing at the Strathearn Park and Museum Dia de Los Muertos event for seven years. Ramirez said she wants her audience to feel and enjoy the culture when she and her band perform.

Martha Yniguez, an accessory vendor, explains how she celebrates her dead loved ones.

“It’s a party, you know,” she said. “And you dress up your table like you’re going to entertain them and they’re your guest--and welcome them, and you never forget them. That’s what it’s all about.”

This Dia de los Muertos, Yniguez is remembering her mother, while Ramirez is remembering her grandparents.

Although the holiday revolved around death, making it seem sad, it is very joyous with vibrant colors and high spirits.