Rev. Rene Angel conducts an interview with the Day of the Dead altar in the background at Resurrection Catholic Church on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])
ALAMO — The lights were off and all one could see were the candles illuminating the altar, framing the two-story tall ofrenda adorned with photos and images of dearly departed loved ones. And when the lights were turned back on, there was color everywhere; greens, blues, yellows and oranges.
The altar here in Alamo captures the idea of a holiday that’s named after death but celebrates life — to be beautiful and bold.
On display at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Alamo, the altar here is bold and beautiful, and captures the idea of a holiday that’s named after death but celebrates life — Día de los Muertos.
The church says it’s the largest in the Rio Grande Valley where residents could place photos of their loved ones who have died on the altar to honor their memory.
It will remain on display until Nov. 28.
Dia de los Muertos is observed every Nov. 1 and 2 and is a time for those who honor the tradition to remember their loved ones who have departed, who are believed to come back on those days. Those who celebrate this holiday decorate an altar with cempasúchil flowers and other Dia de los Muertos iconography.
The custom is so rich in tradition and popularity that it has recently been popularized by the Disney film “Coco.”
Rev. Jose Rene Angel, who has been the pastor at the church for nine years, explained that the ofrenda plays a significant role during Dia de los Muertos and identified seven levels to a proper altar.
This year’s altar stands at the back center of the church with its bright colors attracting the eye at first glance. According to Angel, the altar which measures nearly 25 feet high and 30 feet wide was designed by Grupo Renovación, a missionary group with the church, who began working on the altar two months in advance.
The bottom level of the altar was covered in 2,000 colorful handmade paper flowers that were meant to represent the cempasúchil flower. Shades of purple, orange, yellow, blue, green and white created designs across the altar.
For Angel, it is important for the church to provide the community with an altar to give them a place to celebrate their loved ones.
“It’s a lot of work and in our busy lives they may not have the opportunity to make one at home, so it is a good opportunity for the people to come over here to the church, bring the picture and make present their loved ones who passed away,” Angel said.
Community members have also contributed to the colorful altar by donating various items that are displayed.
“It’s the participation of the whole community and everybody enjoys it,” Angel said, “that encourages us to put the altar again next year.”
On Nov. 2, Angel will go to the cemetery in Alamo to bless each grave before the evening Mass.
