Day of the Dead Celebration Brings Community Together at Congressional Cemetery

Washington, DC (7News) – A Day of the Dead celebration took place at the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., drawing dozens of people Saturday morning.

“Day of the Dead” or Dia de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday designed to honor a person’s ancestors and connect the living with their deceased loved ones. The chapel has been transformed into a “place of learning, remembrance and celebration,” according to a Congressional Cemetery press release.

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“I have lived in Washington for 14 years and live in the Capitol Hill area. I was born and raised in the southwest, Arizona and Texas. I come from a Mexican-American family that has lived in the southwest part of the country for generations,” said Capitol Hill resident Rosa Moreno. Day of the Dead is one of my favorite holidays because we can set aside a day to celebrate it. our departed loved ones. This is a holiday full of life and joy. It is a pleasure to celebrate this year in such a historical and valuable place. We are thrilled to come together with our neighbors to share in this special occasion.”

During the celebration, people were encouraged to bring photographs of their deceased loved ones, as well as mementos that represented them, such as foods, symbols and things they loved.

The event also included the use of flowers to celebrate the holiday and honor those who died and were buried in the cemetery.