This year, Karla Frey faced challenges while preparing her traditional altar in her Boucherville, Quebec residence. The reason behind her struggle was a tragic car accident two months ago that claimed the lives of her five-year-old neighbor and his mother. The little boy, who used to inquire about her annual altar display, left a lasting memory for Frey. Despite the heavy heart from the tragic incident, Frey managed to complete her altar setup, including picture frames, candles, a decorative bread called “pan de muerto,” papel picado, mezcal, tequila, and cempasúchil (Mexican marigolds).
Reflecting on the joy the young neighbor found in her altar, Frey dedicated this year’s display to him and his mother. The Day of the Dead, known as “El Día de Muertos,” is a significant multi-day celebration in Mexico that extends from late October to early November, rooted in Indigenous customs. This tradition of honoring departed loved ones through vibrant colors and decorations has been embraced by the Mexican diaspora in Quebec.
For Frey, who had never observed “Día de Muertos” in Mexico City, this holiday serves as a meaningful way to reconnect with her deceased family members and bridge the gap between Quebec and her homeland. She annually hosts friends at her home to share memories of their loved ones, placing mezcal, water, and tequila on her altar to quench the thirst of visiting spirits. Frey emphasizes the importance of remembering the departed to prevent them from dying again, this time from sadness.
Having coped with her father’s passing through years of crafting altars, Frey views this tradition as an emotional and visual exchange that aids in the acceptance of loss. Similarly, Gerardo Familiar Ferrer, after experiencing the Day of the Dead festivities with Indigenous friends in Oaxaca, found a deeper appreciation for the tradition. In Gatineau, Que., his altar pays homage to departed loved ones, fostering a profound understanding of the holiday’s customs that he shares with others.
Mexican Quebecers, like Frey and Ferrer, have been actively sharing their cultural traditions, such as the immersive Day of the Dead journey at UNAM-Canada in Gatineau. This interactive experience, running until November 8, recreates essential elements like caves and gravesites, offering visitors a sensory journey through scents and visuals reminiscent of Mexican cemeteries. Furthermore, Rafael Benitez, a Montreal resident, has found solace and connection through organizing the city’s Día de Muertos festival, turning his grief into a platform for intercultural exchange.
The evolving festival, now featuring themed altars and attracting diverse audiences, underscores the positive outcomes of intercultural dialogue in Montreal. Benitez aims to honor the resilience of Indigenous communities and their efforts in preserving ancestral traditions. As Mexican Quebecers open up their celebrations to a broader audience, they emphasize that Día de Muertos is a day for reflection and remembrance, not a somber occasion.
Karla Frey, radiating joy, expresses her belief that Día de Muertos is a joyful day meant for commemorating fond memories. Through her meticulously crafted ofrenda each year, she hopes to convey her deep love to her daughters, setting an example of honoring loved ones. Her positive outlook on life and death resonates with the essence of the Day of the Dead celebration, emphasizing the celebration of life amidst remembrance.
