Dolly Parton ofrenda sparks conversation about Día de los Muertos traditions
A tribute to a beloved late country music singer on an ofrenda in San Diego’s Old Town has sparked a conversation about proper traditions when it comes to celebrating loved ones who have passed for Día de Los Muertos.
For the popular Latin holiday, families create altars, or ofrendas, adorned with photos, favorite foods, personal belongings and other meaningful items that reflect the lives of those being remembered. In Old Town, a tribute to Dolly Parton has been displayed with memorabilia from her life.
Many users on social media were happy to see the late singer honored in this way, but some thought that it was against a tradition that urges mourners to wait a year after a person’s passing to put up an offering.
“She’s still traveling, needs to wait one year!” One user stated.
Antonieta Mercado, USD communication professor specializing in indigenous studies, teaches a class on Día de los Muertos and spoke on this common misconception.
“One of the things that I try to emphasize to my students is that there’s not a single way that you should do this,” Mercado said. “Celebrations are as varied as the different indigenous groups that celebrate them. So, there is not a single universal way of celebrating [Día de Los Muertos], but there are common elements throughout the different celebrations.”
These common elements include offerings from fire, water, earth and air.
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos started more than 3000 years ago by the Aztecs. Then, when the Spanish came to Mexico the celebration became fused with Catholicism, turning the holiday into what we know today. The holiday has now become widespread in Mexico as well as in the United Staes, according to Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Mercado said using celebrities for altars is quite common, especially as the tradition has changed over countries and regions.
“It has been adopted and readopted depending on the region and the places and the cities. And it’s very common that in the U.S. there are altars dedicated to celebrities,” Mercado said.
San Diegan Marvy Negrin appreciated the tribute to Parton.
“I think it’s very special that they honor Dolly. She’s so well-known, even in the Hispanic community,” Negrin stated.
The ofrenda is located at the Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town. It includes photos of Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean, a Parton-branded cake and frosting, candles and butterflies throughout.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Diego with these events
In San Diego, there are many Día de los Muertos celebrations happening. Celebrations take place in Oceanside, Escondido, SeaWorld and more.
Escondido
Nov. 1
At the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, celebrate with vendors, free museum admission and live entertainment.
SeaWorld
Oct. 31 – Nov. 1
Catrina statues, ofrendas and flowers will be set up around SeaWorld, included with park admission.
City Heights
Oct. 31
Local vendors and music come together for this free event. Outfit contests and raffles will be held.
Downtown Chula Vista
Nov. 1
Free celebration along Third Avenue including ofrenda competition, live music and dance. Bring a copy of a photo to pin on the Community Altar at Davidson.
San Diego Museum of Art
Nov. 1
Live performances, art-making activities, and an ofrenda created by artist Betsabeé Romero in collaboration with local San Diego students is free.
Edited by Christina Bravo
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