San Francisco — A glittering Day of the Dead celebration is more than just a celebratory event. It is a reflection on life, mortality, and the ancestors who came before us and connect history with the present. Observed for more than 3,000 years, this traditional Mexican holiday incorporates both ancient and modern elements and provides a shared space to honor loved ones.
Rosa de Anda, executive director of the Marigold Project, who is originally from Mexico, reimagined aspects of the Day of the Dead to further increase community empathy. “What was I doing the ceremony for, if not to reflect the community and its challenges?” For Rosa, this celebration is about connecting individuals on both their personal and collective journeys. It’s a way to connect.
South San Francisco-based artist Daniel Revives has turned his studio into a haven for his Day of the Dead works. “It may look like a storage unit, but it’s not,” she laughs.
From altars to flower crowns honoring figures like Frida Kahlo and her grandmother, every piece Daniel creates has cultural meaning. Her papier mache skull, “Hungry Calaverita,” is “hungry for messages to loved ones.”
Guests are invited to place a note inside the skull, which is later ritually burned to connect the living with the deceased.
Rosa reminds us that the spirit of Day of the Dead is not limited to November 2nd. “Take a moment each day to appreciate the joy of being alive,” she says.
The message of this holiday is universal. Life and death are intertwined, and remembering our ancestors deeply enriches our lives.
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