Latino - WKTV Journal

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Artist Margaret Vega’s ofrenda for her father, Francisco Vega. (WKTV/Renee Karadsheh)

Veronica Quintino-Aranda’s brother died before her younger sister was born yet her sister has a connection to him because of the family’s tradition of honoring the brother’s memory during Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).

“We remember who he was,” said Quintino-Aranda, a member of the Latino Community Coalition which has collaborated with the Grand Rapids Public Museum on a Day of the Dead exhibit. “We share stories. We share memories. We share his favorite food.

“Even though my sister has never meet him because he died before she was born, she still knows who he was and how important he was to our family.”

A tradition that dates back to the Mayans and Aztecs

Running through Nov. 27, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is featuring the Field Musuem’s “A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico.” Through 26 photographs, the exhibit explores the significance of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, a southern region of Mexico.

Traditionally observed on Nov. 1 and 2, Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos is an indigenous holiday that originated in southern Mexico and celebrates the remembrance of family members and friends who have died. Part of that celebration includes the creation of an ofrenda, or a home alter, honoring the deceased.

The tradition and symbols date back to the Mayans and Aztecs, who had a whole month dedicated to the dead, according to Quintino-Aranda. The expansion of catholicism in Mexico altered some of the symbols but the the focus on celebrating the dead remained.

Veronica Quintino-Aranda and Javier Cervantes (WKTV/Renee Karadsheh)

“On my home alter, and we have a catholic tradition, we have the candle that symbolizes we are the light of the world,” Quintino-Aranda said. “We have the arch toward heaven and incense that indicates that our prayers are going up to him. We also have soil that symbolizes that we are dust and are destained to return. We also have items that represent (my brother) and of course, his picture.”

Exploring local history and culture

Almost 600,000 Hispanics live in West Michigan with the Hispanic population making up about 16 percent, almost 16,000, in the Grand Rapids area. As the Hispanic community grew, many brought their traditions to the West Michigan area with the Day of the Dead having become a community celebration. In fact, the Grand Rapids Public Library for several years has hosted a Dia de los Muertos event (this year Oct. 30 – Nov. 3) that includes alters created by community members and activities.

The Latino Community Coalition’s Nuestra HERencia ofrenda. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Noting that the Grand Rapids Public Museum is not just about dinosaurs and artifacts but also history and culture, Dustin Tyler, director of marketing and customer service strategy for the Museum, said the Public Museum is excited to be able to partner with local organizations such as the LCC to present a Day of the Dead exhibition.

“Anytime we get the opportunity to include community partners to help paint a story, its a win for Grand Rapids, a win for the museum and a win for our members and visitors,” Tyler said.

The local connection

As part of the exhibition, the GRPM joined with community partners to add ofrendas to the exhibition display. Local professor and artist Margaret Vega created one display honoring her father Francisco Vega (1922-2021), who was a leader in the Latino community of West Michigan and a grassroots organizer for civil rights.

The LCC’s offenda focuses on the organizations Nuestra HERencia project, which honors the history and legacies of women here in Grand Rapids.

“It is an immersive experience,” Tyler said. “it is kind of a window into how another culture does things different but also learning about the history of Mr. Vega and learning about our partners over at the Latin Community Coalition and what their mission and purpose is.”

Started in 2006, the LLC serves as a unifying force for the equitable advancement of Latinos in West Michigan.

“I chose LCC because at the time I was working for the infant health program at Cherry Street Health and so I wanted to learn more about what are the resources out there to help my clients and patients and the LCC was a great opportunity for me to network and learn what programs and classes other nonprofits were offering so I could give back and give those resources to my community,” she said.

Celebrating ‘HER’

The Nuestra HERencia project features women who have not necessarily received awards or been recognized but because of their values that they instilled in their family members, they have helped the Hispanic community grow through business and leadership.

“My aunt, who passed away last year, she owned a small chain of bakeries,” said Javier Cervantes, another LCC member. “She instilled in us hard work and dedication. I saw how she treated everyone with respect. That is what I will not forget.

“Todos parejos — everyone is equal.”

For both Cervantes and Quintino-Aranda, they hope through the exhibition and the LCC display to help residents understand the symbolism and why Day of the Dead is important to the Hispanic community.

“I want people to know that we have a presence here in Grand Rapids and we are not going anywhere,” Cervantes said. “Those Latinos have been able to be trailblazers and in a unique way transform the lives of families as well.”

“A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico” is included with general admission to the Museum and is free for Museum members. Kent County residents do receive a discount and Kent County children 17 and under are free. To reverse tickets, visit grpm.org.

WKTV Contributor Renee Karadsheh contributed to this story.

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes Hispanic and Latino American heritage and culture. The month long celebration begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The month long celebration was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The 2015 theme is “Honoring our Heritage.”

In keeping with the theme, there are several events taking place around the neighborhood, most free to attend. Check out the list below compiled by the Diversity and Inclusion Office for the City of Grand Rapids. For more information call 616‐234‐3390.

Hispanic Festival 2015 – September 11, 12, & 13, 2015

Celebrate the diversity our region has to offer with the Hispanic Festival benefiting the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. The Festival features an exciting mix of culture, music and food from different Latin American countries with three days of stage performances, traditional and artisan wares, children’s activities and food vendors. Calder Plaza Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information check with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.

Fiesta Mexicana – September 18‐19, 2015 from 11am to 11pm

One of the largest and oldest festivals in the region. Fiesta Mexicana celebrates the Mexican community and has been celebrated for over 45 years. Calder Plaza Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information find details at http://mexican‐heritage.org/

Latino Culture & Identity Lecture – September 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm

Henry Muñoz III will present a lecture on Latino Culture and Identity as part of the Diversity Lecture Series, intended to give insight and understanding of multicultural issues to the West Michigan community, helping audiences consider perspectives other than their own, encouraging civil debate and promoting cultural understanding. Held at Fountain Street Church on 24 Fountain Street, Grand Rapids.

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meets every Tuesday from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at 1167 Madison Avenue SE, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 . Walk‐ins welcome or call 616‐452‐3960. Find more information at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website.