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Father-daughter duo create Día de los Muertos display for community

"It's given something positive for Milwaukee to come together and connect over."
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Posted at 6:15 PM, Oct 03, 2022
and last updated 2022-11-02 19:29:53-04

MILWAUKEE — It's no secret Bay View is known for its spooky, over-the-top Halloween displays.

A home near 1st and Plainfield near Hawthorne Coffee is taking a heartfelt spin on the tradition by sharing their Mexican heritage through a Día de los Muertos display.

"Last year, we started the process of just inviting the community in putting pictures of people that have passed as well just to open up the wealth and share our culture," said Jason Gonzalez.

Gonzalez and his 4-year-old daughter have been working to put together their Ofrenda since August.

"She was young when my mom passed away and so this helps connect her again to that experience of being with my mom," said Gonzalez.

For Gonzalez, celebrating Día de Los Muertos has been a family tradition that quickly transformed into a community staple.

"It is a day where we celebrate and invite the souls of the past to come commune with us again, so we'll put pictures and we'll put out other items that remind us of family members that have gone."

The Bay View Community Ofrenda welcomes anyone to place a picture of a loved one.

Gonzalez's Ofrenda has become a sight to see in Bay View, drawing hundreds in from far and near.

"We had some people come up from Chicago and this being their soul purpose for being here or we had a woman come down from Green Bay."

The altar has brought people together by honoring their deceased.

"There are nights where there's no walking room on the sidewalk, it's just packed with people here talking about their loved ones, putting up pictures with their families. It's given something positive for Milwaukee to come together connect over."
The alter will remain up until Nov. 15.

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