Locals honor the dead in traditional candlelight walks, prayer

Under a light drizzle and guided only by candlelight, about 200 people trekked up Hornitos Cemetery in an annual procession to honor those who have died.

Día de los Muertos, or All Souls Day, has been celebrated in the town of Hornitos for almost a century, according to organizers. Every year, the event gathers hundreds of visitors from across the state.

Two years ago the procession gathered more than 700 people. Organizers believed the rain might have kept many from making the trip to the foothill area on Monday night.

All Souls Day is celebrated every Nov. 2 in regions of Mexico and other Latin American countries. Folklore has it that on this date, the dead are allowed to return to their families and are welcomed with special foods and altars.

In Hornitos, visitors pay their respects to the dead by participating in a silent march.

“The procession is a prayer in movement; I like to call it a prayer parade,” said the Rev. Steve Bulfer of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Bulfer led visitors to the grave of Candelaria de Sapien, an early Hornitos resident who is credited with reviving the All Souls Day tradition in Mariposa County.

Every year, the event attracts Catholics and others who are interested in learning about the All Souls Day tradition. Tammy Byus of Atwater was a first-time visitor. The procession is something she has heard about for years, but had not had the opportunity to get up there, she said. She lost a friend two months ago and used this occasion to walk in prayer in her friend’s honor, she said.

Katy Harrison has lived in Mariposa for almost 40 years, but had never attended the All Souls Day celebration.

“This is right in my backyard, my dad was Catholic and I know Fr. Steve,” she said for her participation this year. She said she was remembering her father, her stepfather and a friend who died last week.

The Merced Multicultural Arts Center also took part in a separate Day of the Dead celebration. On Sunday, the Center hosted a reception for its Día de Los Muertos exhibit, followed by a candlelight procession down Main Street.

The exhibit featured paintings by local students, altars made by local residents and organizations, and giant skulls hanging from the ceiling.

The procession, which included about 75 people, headed down to the historic Merced Theatre and around to Bob Hart Square.

This story was originally published November 2, 2015 at 9:59 PM with the headline "Locals honor the dead in traditional candlelight walks, prayer."