Día De Los Muertos is a celebration that dates back thousands of years to the Aztecs. Special Altars or "Ofrendas" are built to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away; these vibrant altars reflect the character and personality of the departed. It may include photos of loved one(s), items from hobbies they enjoyed, activities they participated in, and other personal elements.
Elements of an Ofrenda
SKULL: The departed souls of the circle of life.
MARIGOLD (CEMPAZUCHITL): Meant to light the way for the wandering of the dead.
PAN DE MUERTO (BREAD OF THE DEAD): Signals the generosity of the host and feeds the dead after a long weary journey.
CANDLE (FIRE): Our love for our deceased loved ones and guiding light for their spirits. Some place in a cross formation to help guide to their ofrenda.
PAPEL PICADO: Papel Picado is used to represent the union between life and death. Associated with wind, when the disfunto has arrived the paper will move, altering the host to their presence.
PERSONAL OBJECTS: No ofrenda is complete without personal object that defines the person. This ranges from their favorite hobbies to an article of clothing. You make the disfunto feel at home and comfortable.
Artwork by Mission High School Art Club, Students Creative Creations, and Marisol Karam (High School Visual Arts Teacher)
Girl Scouts
Local Girl Scouts troops in the Rio Grande Valley area explored the importance of an ofrenda by creating shoe box altars. As a result, they earned a new patch, presented to them by the Mission Historical Museum.
Dedicated by Troops #378, #590, and #1005
Community Altar Exhibit
The following altars were crated by the community honoring their loved ones.
In Memory of Organ Donor Heroes
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) created this altar to honor organ donor heroes and their families for the hundreds of lives they have impacted through the power of organ donation. These donors are from all ages and different backgrounds. We hope the memory of these heroes inspires others to Donate Life. To learn more and sign up, visit TOSAI.org
Dedicated by Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
In Memory of Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez
In memory of Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Alfredo Cantu "Freddy" Gonzalez who valiantly served our nation the U.S: Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Serving two tours of duty, Sgt. Gonzalez was mortally wounded in the Battle of Huế and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his service.
Dedicated by Sharyland H.S. History & Spanish Clubs
In Memory of Maribel Anzaldua
Dear Mommy, As we celebrate your life, we remember the joy and love you brought into the lives of so many. Your passion for your family defined your vibrant spirit. You taught us the value of living fully and loving fiercely. Your laughter and energy will be deeply missed. You will always be in our hearts. Love Randy and Candace.
Dedicated by Candace Rodriguez and Randy Cruz
In Memory of Ines Maria Guerra
God bless Ines! She was a loving wife and mother and a loyal active and faithful member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, a zealous and dedicated "sacristana" and member of the Legion of Mary, always enthusiastic and ready to help out in any way. Shortly before her tragic death, she repainted the beautiful image of our Blessed Mother on the east side altar of the sanctuary. I still walk in to the sacristy on early mornings expecting to see her there takin loving care of things. The longer we miss her, the more we admire and appreciate her. In the lonesome places in our hearts, the Spirit dwells and we grow in faith, hope, and love, We pray in the Mass of Mary Mother of the Church, "She still watches over the family with a Mothers love!" - Fr. Roy
Dedicated by Gloria A Sanchez
In Memory of Jose G. Moreno Jr. and Juanita Moreno
I dedicate this altar in honor of my parents Jose Guadalupe Moreno Jr. and Juanita Moreno. Jose dedicated 30+ years to the City of Mission Water Plant. My Dad was a great man, father and grandfather. Impeccable character. Quiet. Hardworking & the most influential man in my life. Juanita dedicated 40+ years to Mission Regional Medical Center. My mother was a loving mother and grandmother. She was one of the strongest, bravest, and kindest humans to grace this planet. Without her, I wouldn't be here today, I wouldn't be the person I am, and I wouldn't have the life I have. Pa and Mom. not a day goes by we don't think of you all We love and miss you both so much.
Dedicated by Yvette Moreno
In Memory of Diana Margarita Rodriguez, Juan Angel Garza, Russel A Huebner, Ramona Rodriguez, Antonio Rodriguez, Norma Casanova, Maria Rita Vargas, Javier Rodriguez Jr., Eduardo Rodriguez, Alex Daniel Gonzalez, Frank Garcia, Carlos Vargas Jr., Carlos Vargas III, Rogelio Bermea III, Josue Rogelio Uranga, Francisco Sebastian Hernandez and PETS: Wells (Cat), Kitty Wap (Cat), Chuchees (Dog)
In Memory of our Loved Ones
Dedicated by Ashley Garza
In Memory of Ramiro J. Ramirez Former Mayor of City of Palmhurst
Ramiro Jose Rodriguez Jr., former Mayor (1999 - 2022) and retired pharmaceutical salesman, was a graduate of Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, Texas. Ramiro received his bachelor's degree in biology and minor in interdisciplinary studies from Pan American University. Upon graduating college his journey began as a lifelong public servant working for the cities of McAllen, Mission and Pharr. Upon retirement, he became full time mayor for the City of Palmhurst a position he has held since 1999. As a first time mayor, he was able to establish a police department and municipal court. Palmhurst grew from a sleepy town to a successful community. Wal-Mart, H-E-B and Walgreens are just a few of the businesses the mayor and the city council attracted into the community. In addition to being mayor, Ramiro serves four years as Region Twelve Director with the Texas Municipal League, TML audit committee, Presidential nominating board, legislative forums, census council, and drainage bond committee. Awards Ramiro recieved during his lifetime included RGV Hall of Fame - 2005, Cambridge Who's Who - 2009, Leadership Award - City of Alton 2017. As a true public servant, Ramiro took classes for opening meeting compliance and public funding for cities. Mayor Rodriguez fought ferociously for all citizens in his town and other small cities. This was evident during the pandemic where he successfully obtained equal allotments of crisis funding for all citizens regardless of city population size. Throughout Ramiro's life he enjoyed various forms of activates, such as bowling, reading, and have discussions with his son and friends regardless of the topic, from politics to extraterrestrial phenomenon. Despite their letdowns Ramiro was a faithful Dallas Cowboys fan along with enjoying the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Astros. He was a avid bowler and participated in the Flamingo and Mission Valley Classic league for over 30 years.
Dedicated by City of Palmhurst