The second half of the event at El Centro is full of life and culture. There’s a vendor section where people are selling things they’ve made. A woman is selling her art and they’re beautiful drawings that express intersectionality, whether that’s the intention or not. I bought a drawing of a muerto with a banner that said ‘resist’. I think it shows how Latinx culture and American culture combine, with the current political climate calling for more and more resistance. Then there were the performances. People of all ages were dancing and playing music, it was truly special seeing everyone so full of life. It embodies what Día de los Muertos is all about. Celebrating life while remembering and honoring those we have lost. 

There are lots of different people here looking at all the different altares. It’s interesting to see everyone’s interpretation of this year’s theme: those who build bridges not walls. There are calls for social justice and action for a range of issues. Some are LGBTQ+ equality, deportation, military service, community issues, and many more. My favorite interpretation of the theme was the Amnesty International altar. Amnesty International aims to build bridges across different nations, and stands in solidarity with those who are being oppressed. By honoring some of the people who have died in other countries, we build a bridge between the past and the present, and use their stories to continue fighting for justice.