This ofrenda workshop is breathing new life into Día de Muertos

Two women scoured through a room full of treasures with bookcases filled to the brim with artisanal crafts. “People would ask, ‘Is this the devil’s work or witchcraft?’” Maribel said. “As the years went by and we began to explain, people would relax and identify with the idea of celebrating the lives of their family members or friends in a positive way, which is what we’re going to do today.” Guests reached into a bin full of paint bottles and paintbrushes and got to work. The second type of death happens when people stop thinking about them.” On one end of the table, Carrillo’s altar in honor of her late grandmother, Virgina, was coming to life. “You start remembering who these people were … these people aren’t dead, they exist and they’re still here.” Leonor Ferrer and Edelia Carrillo pick background paper for their ofrendas.