Kitsap groups join forces to put on Día de Muertos festival

The We Are Better Together Foundation, a Kitsap-based nonprofit supporting Latino families, hosted a countywide Día de Muertos festival and scavenger hunt Nov. 1 in partnership with Olympic College, Kitsap Regional Library, and other local organizations.

The day began with a scavenger hunt, encouraging community members to visit altars set up by local businesses throughout Bremerton, Silverdale, and Poulsbo. Maps of the altar locations were provided to participants. The afternoon celebration at Olympic College in Bremerton featured a community altar, a Catrinas exhibition, traditional pan de muerto, candy, games, live music, and activities for all ages.

Attendees participated in a piñata-building workshop, trompo (spinning top) games, lotería, which is a traditional Mexican board game similar to bingo, story time, Catrina face painting, a salsa lesson, Mexican flower-making, and coloring activities.

The event aimed to bring residents together and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up Kitsap County, particularly amid challenges affecting the Latino community in recent months.

“Día de Muertos is one of Mexican culture’s most sacred traditions,” said Gabriela Ituarte, founder of the We Are Better Together Foundation. “It dates to pre-Hispanic times, and contrary to common belief, this is not a celebration of death, but a celebration of life, family, community, and culture. For the past three years, we’ve been proud to partner with Olympic College’s Latino Youth Coalition to share this joyful tradition with Kitsap County.”

Ituarte added, “Día de Muertos is about connecting back to roots and those who came before us and remembering who we are.”