Dimond Message Board
Tim Chapman
I rode the 53/A Bus to the Fruitvale neighborhood's Día de los Muertos Festival. As we approached the Festival I instinctively started looking for a place to park and then realized that no, I don't have to search for a parking space. It was a nice feeling, like waking up thinking it is time to go to work and then remembering that it is Saturday.
A quote from the Fruitvale neighborhood web site:
During the celebration for the Day of the Dead, ofrendas (offerings) or altars are constructed by family and friends in honor of their deceased relatives or ancestors at homes, grave sites or business establishments.To read more click here.This unique tradition (Indigenous and Spanish) demonstrates a strong sense of love and respect for our ancestors: celebrates the continuance of life; strengthens family relationships; promotes community solidarity; and even finds humor in death, all of which are positive concepts.
As I walked around the Festival I thought about the "altar" that I had made on this site. Maybe next year we can celebrate Día de los Muertos by creating altars on the Dimond site to remember, as a community.
Next week I'll ride the 53 to the other end of the line and visit the Chabot Space & Science Center