Ofrendas altars at San Agustin Presidio

To honor the dead, there are now 7 Dia de los Muertos ofrendas at the Presidio in downtown Tucson. (Maybe eight by this weekend.) A couple of them are strictly family altars, but others honor wider categories of people and pets who have passed away. There is a very personal feel about them, unlike some of the huge art installation type of altars at Grand Park in Los Angeles.

The word ‘ofrenda’ means gift but is commonly used to refer to a family altar. These altars, which originated in Mexico as part of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, usually include photos of the departed plus some of their favorite foods, drinks and activities. Marigolds are often included because their brilliant orange color and pungent scent guide the spirits to the altar.

Any visitor can leave a letter or memento

Here are photos of some of them, plus some unexpected things I saw, too. The altars will remain in place until November 7th. Anyone can bring a letter or small memento for someone who has passed away to leave on an altar. (Note: the letter/memento will not be returned.)

This altar honors people who were part of the Presidio family — volunteers, employees and contributors to the re-creation of the San Agustin Presidio in downtown Tucson. Our Lady of Guadalupe is not a formal part of the ofrenda, but a permanent sculpture in this room. The small models of Death, in the second photo, are unusual. I suspect the missionary statue on the altar is supposed to represent Father Kino or perhaps just the Spanish missionaries in general.

In front of the Presidio altar are two La Calavera Catrinas bedecked with feathers.

Across the room from the Presidio ofrenda is an altar for Pets that includes photos of dead pets, of course, and their favorite foods. Curiously there is are two tiny La Calavera Catrinas at the foot of the pet altar. Perhaps they are meant to echo the two feathery Catrinas facing them.

This altar outside on the covered patio was created by a Tucson family to honor its dead. I like the Gatorade and Dos Equis next to the Abuelo in the second image. I wonder, however, whose photo is missing in the empty picture frame. Abuela? On the other end of the altar in the third photo is a memorial to a family serviceman, complete with flags.

Two other ofrendas outdoors. The altar on the left is in honor of veterans. On the right, an altar for Covid 19 victims.

Now for the unexpected

Dia de los Muertos shopping bags, anyone? Or how about a mold to create sugar skulls that includes a recipe. The recipe calls for meringue powder as well as sugar. And on the right — well, Our lady of Guadalupe will help you in the kitchen, keeping the tortillas warm.

A building adjacent to the Presidio is now being renovated and, I was told, will become a eating establishment of some kind. It was built in 1908 and was occupied into the 1950s. Since then it has been owned by the Presidio but sat vacant.

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