We Wargins did not grow up with a strong understanding or appreciation of Day of the Dead. When we started our tasting room in Watsonville in 2012, we wanted to celebrate with our community. Fortunately for us, we had fabulous wine club members that gave us education and helped us set up our first ofrenda. While initially focused on celebrating and wanting to support our community - we lost Denise's dad unexpectedly in 2014. That was the year the true meaning and joy of Day of the Dead really sunk in. This vibrant holiday allows us to honor those who have passed while bringing friends and family together. It blends joy with remembrance in a unique way, creating a tapestry of traditions that is beautiful and meaningful. Memories of lost loved ones often surface on holidays and can create a mental malaise. Having a dedicated day to focus and feel connected is beyond joyful. This celebration is our way of cultural appreciation and inviting others to join us that may also be new the tradition.
For those new to the tradition:
A Journey Through Cultural Roots
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is not just a holiday; it is a vital part of life for many communities. With roots in Mesoamerican culture, especially with the Aztec people, this celebration is based on the belief that the spirits of departed loved ones return during this time.
Vibrant marigolds, known as cempasúchil, are a staple in the celebrations. These flowers symbolize both life and death and are used to guide the spirits back to their families. One of the most captivating aspects of the Day of the Dead is the creation of altars, or ofrendas. Each ofrenda is a unique tribute to our loved ones, filled with photographs, favorite foods, and cherished items. On these altars, sugar skulls symbolize the sweetness of life, while candles represent the spirits guiding their way home.
Family Gatherings: The Heart of the Celebration
Family is at the core of the Day of the Dead. This holiday strengthens our familial bonds as we share stories, laughter, and even tears while remembering those we've lost. During celebrations, we gather around tables filled with traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and in our case, traditional wine.
What I love most about the Day of the Dead is its unique view of death. Unlike many cultures that treat death as somber, Day of the Dead is to embrace it as part of life's cycle. Each toast we make during this time is a celebration of their lives, a way to express gratitude for the moments we shared.
Increasingly, people from various cultures recognize and participate in this beautiful holiday. In 2023, more than 100 schools across the country hosted events where students created their own altars, fostering awareness and respect for diverse cultures.
Join me this year as we honor our family and friends
and cherish the stories that have woven the fabric of who we are!
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