By AMY DAVIS
The Progress
The Mesquite Heritage Museum hosted its first annual Candlelight Walk through Veteran’s Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 2. The event was planned in celebration of the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos and was followed by a screening of the Disney film “Coco.”
The activity began at the Nevada Welcome Center. Community members decorated a luminary to place near the headstone of a loved one.
A gentle glow from these luminaries could be seen throughout the cemetery as people walked from gravesite to gravesite to honor and remember the departed.
Following the candlelight walk, “Coco” was shown on a large screen projector. Community members were treated to Mexican pastries, white chocolate popcorn and water bottles.
Families in attendance brought blankets and chairs to sit on and enjoy the movie. There were well over 100 people in attendance for this free event.
“This is a Hispanic tradition for the day of the dead,” said local resident Wendy Stuve. “It is how we honor our ancestors and our loved ones who have passed. We hope to bring their spirits back for just one night.”
Stuve has three loved ones buried in the cemetery. “We made a luminary and walked around the cemetery,” she said. “We said prayers and put down some of their favorites foods and snacks.”
Though Dia de los Muertos is a holiday with Aztec roots that originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America. It is believed that during this two-day holiday, loved ones who have already passed beyond this life, may briefly return to visit with family members.
“We have lots of people who are buried in this cemetery and we wanted to come out and show our support,” says local resident Bethany Green. “I also have two children who are Hispanic, and I want them to know their heritage. We just wanted to come out and have a fun and safe night with the family outside.”
Four-year-old Brodie Hunzeker admitted that she doesn’t have any family members buried in the cemetery. But she came to enjoy the magic of the evening with her family.
“I am here to watch a movie tonight,” she said. “We walked through the cemetery and I liked it. The lights were so pretty.”
Denise Houston said that her family was there to honor her family member, Noma Houston. “My little girl Noma Gene is named after her,” said Houston.
Young Noma and her brother Duke, both created luminaries to leave at their Aunt Noma’s headstone.
“This is so good for your heart,” said Houston. “You just find any little way that you can to connect with the loved ones you have lost.”
Krissy Thornton felt the event was an important chance to pass on the story of her loved one. Thornton’s first husband is buried in the cemetery.
“I always think, who is going to tell your story?” Thornton said. “You know like in the musical Hamilton; they ask who is going to tell your story? Who is going to remember you? And that is what this is all about, remembering your loved ones.”
“I also think that these events are fantastic because the community that plays together stays together,” Thornton added.
Mesquite City Manager Aaron Baker said that he was pleased with the involvement in this new community event.
“We are so glad to be hosting this inaugural Dia de los Muertos celebration,” Baker said. “And we hope that it continues to grow each year.”
City Councilman George Rapson said that most of the credit for the success should go to City Resource Manager Janice Ridondo who planned the event.
“Janice is the one behind this event,” Rapson said. “We wanted to do something that shows what a key role the Hispanic community plays in this Valley. And this event has definitely exceeded my expectations.”
Rapson explained that local sponsors had also willingly supported the event. Do it Best had donated bottled water. Pastries had come from the Carniceria Mexicana. Danielle’s Chocolates had donated the popcorn.
“It just shows what we can do when we start putting our hearts and souls and minds into our community and start thinking outside the box a little bit,” Rapson said.
Ridondo expressed appreciation for those who helped in putting on the event. “Sharrie Imperial and Lucy Orr have been instrumental in helping me put these events on,” said Ridondo.
Ridondo said that she was pleased at how the new event had been received.
“This event has just been outstanding!” she said. “I want to be there for the citizens, and I want them to be there for me. I want citizens to be involved in what happens in their community. Planning these events is my way of saying thank you. I just love the folks in Mesquite.”
