Parade of the Dead brings Mexican culture and traditions to Jersey City

Colorful costumes, traditional music, and Mexican culture on full display. The Parade of the Dead brings the spirit of Mexico's Día de los Muertos to Jersey City, a tradition that is all about keeping the memories of loved ones alive. It's a way of never letting them die. It's not a mourning celebration. You're not mourning, you're not sad, and it's not a diabolical thing. The parade, organized by the Riverview Farmers Market, has been a Jersey City tradition for 12 years. In the heart of the celebration is the ofrenda, or altar, where photos and personal items honor those who have passed. I lost my father and my grandparents, my great-grandparents, so it's kind of continuing to keep them in your story and having them with you, although I don't get to physically see them. It's not a sad day, it's something very, how do you say, like I guess joyous. It's a joyous celebration, remembering their memories, remembering what they meant to you, and it's a nice special thought if you think about it. um the thought that they come and visit you for one day. The celebration also features Catrinas and Catrines, elegant skeleton figures in colorful outfits that symbolize the holiday and some participants got to show off their looks in a costume contest. It's just like a little something that gets the family together to like you know dress up show a bit of our culture something that we believe in. I really wanted to take part in the tradition and this was the perfect day to do so because since I am not from Mexican descent. I feel like I can just kind of, you know, absorb everything today. A tradition that reminds people that while life may end, the memories of those we love live on. In Jersey City, Jennifer Portoreal, News 12, New Jersey.