Oregon Rural Action

“Hermiston commemorates COVID deaths with Día de los Muertos”

November 4, 2022 Oregon Rural Action

By Antonio Sierra | OPB | November 4, 2022

Under the fluorescent lights of the Hermiston High School common area, the Wednesday event had all the usual contrasts of the Mexican Day of the Dead. The black clothes of mourning were contrasted by vibrant flowers and embroidery. The skull face paint of visitors was backdropped by the brightly colored papel picado hanging from the ceiling. The faded family photos and lit candles for departed loved ones on the ofrenda were accompanied by music and dancing. The event was officially dedicated to people who died from COVID-19, a virus that hit Latinos in Umatilla County hard, especially in the early days of the pandemic.

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