Via Vega honors Day of the Dead with altar
–A local winery is celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with an altar built to celebrate the dead. Visitors to Via Vega Winery have filled the altar with pictures, cards and mementos of their loved ones ranging from pets, grandparents and heartbreaking photos of babies and children.
Statues of Saint Francis, Saint Michael and traditional sugar skulls fill the altar. It’s the eighth year Via Vega Winery has hosted a Dia de Los Muertos altar.
“Over the years we have watched this theme grow in popularity,” said Via Vega Owner April Gomez. “When we first started celebrating Dia de los Muertos at the winery not many people knew what the skeletons and sugar skulls were all about. It took some explaining. Now we see them everywhere. In the beginning we had people tell us we were the only public altar they could find.”
Another eight feet have been added this year to accommodate the growing number of loved ones honored by members of the community and visitors from afar.
While much of the symbolism comes from the Catholic religion, Dia de los Muertos is not a one faith celebration, Gomez said. “Our Blessings of the Altar also include a Native American Blessing. People of all faiths come to share in remembrance of loved ones. It is truly an honor to host such a beautiful event.”
The winery also has a few tickets remaining for the 8th annual fiesta. The event with folkloric dancers, traditional music, food and wine. For more information, visit their website.
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