From the music and dancing to the painted faces — the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando was filled with the rich traditions of Mexican culture as they celebrated an important day known as Día de los Muertos. “We celebrate the life of the people we have lost throughout our life, and we celebrate the people that are important to us in general in history,” said Omar Becerril, a volunteer at the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando.One altar was dedicated to our founding fathers and past presidents who were known historically for being inclusive, including Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy. “Because those three presidents were key to reducing discrimination in the United States,” said Becerril.Inclusion was a central theme at this year’s event, as an entire altar was dedicated to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and other members of the LGBTQ+ community who died as a result of hate crimes.”It is important because we have to be conscious and educate people better,” said Vice Consul Javier De La Vega. “Yes, we come from a catholic culture, but there is no place for hate in the bible. There is no place for hate in the religion.”Even femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls because they’re female, is an issue in Mexican culture that this consulate is shedding light on. “It’s important for all of us to keep raising awareness about women’s rights, about the importance of educating women. They are essential to our communities. We need to keep protecting them and ensuring they are not victims. We also need to educate us, the men,” said Becerril.Among the lavish displays and shrines was one with unique flowers that closely resemble those original to Mexico. They’re grown by an indigenous couple from Oaxaca who now have their own farm in Plant City, Sanchez Farms.Other cultures and countries were also on display, a sign that this event was about celebrating the living and the future while honoring the dead.
From the music and dancing to the painted faces — the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando was filled with the rich traditions of Mexican culture as they celebrated an important day known as Día de los Muertos.
“We celebrate the life of the people we have lost throughout our life, and we celebrate the people that are important to us in general in history,” said Omar Becerril, a volunteer at the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando.
One altar was dedicated to our founding fathers and past presidents who were known historically for being inclusive, including Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy.
“Because those three presidents were key to reducing discrimination in the United States,” said Becerril.
Inclusion was a central theme at this year’s event, as an entire altar was dedicated to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and other members of the LGBTQ+ community who died as a result of hate crimes.
“It is important because we have to be conscious and educate people better,” said Vice Consul Javier De La Vega. “Yes, we come from a catholic culture, but there is no place for hate in the bible. There is no place for hate in the religion.”
Even femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls because they’re female, is an issue in Mexican culture that this consulate is shedding light on.
“It’s important for all of us to keep raising awareness about women’s rights, about the importance of educating women. They are essential to our communities. We need to keep protecting them and ensuring they are not victims. We also need to educate us, the men,” said Becerril.
Among the lavish displays and shrines was one with unique flowers that closely resemble those original to Mexico. They’re grown by an indigenous couple from Oaxaca who now have their own farm in Plant City, Sanchez Farms.
Other cultures and countries were also on display, a sign that this event was about celebrating the living and the future while honoring the dead.
