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South Bay family's Dia de Los Muertos ofrenda attracts San Diego visitors

Dia De Los Muertos started Nov. 1, with celebrations happening all over San Diego County.

SAN DIEGO — Dia De Los Muertos started Nov. 1, with celebrations happening all over San Diego County.

It's a Mexican holiday to honor the loved ones we have lost.

CBS 8 visited a family in the South Bay known for their elaborate ofrenda.

"It's a celebration of our loved ones," said Artemiza Pamaran.

Growing up in Tijuana, celebrating Dia de Los Muertos was a tradition for Pamaran.

"Way of reminding ourselves that they're still with us," said Pamaran.

Translated to Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on Oct. 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. 

The spirits of adults can do the same on Nov. 2.

"We offer them their favorite beverage, their favorite meal. Yeah, cigarettes, flowers, the flower of Sem paucal for all the scents, the papel picado, because we love how it just sounds in the wind and the colors," said Pamaran.

An ofrenda is an altar where those offerings are placed. It's also where you'll find pictures of loved ones who have passed. Animals are honored as well.

20 years ago, Pamaran and her husband, Glenn set up a small ofrenda outside the front door of their South Bay home. Today, it's grown to an elaborate display, which they try to change each year. This year, a mariachi band is included.

In 2018, Glenn built a lucha libre ring, as a nod to the masked wrestlers popular in Mexico. Their designs are a popular attraction among neighbors and visitors.

"They always come in and admire all of our decorations. The ofrenda has always been their favorite. They come back. They want to see what's going to happen next year," said Pamaran.

In addition to the ofrenda, the couple set up a cemetery in their front yard. They say it’s where Dia de Los Muertos celebrations come alive.

"It's the most beautiful time at cemeteries in Mexico and some here, but it is bright, colorful, food, music, mariachi, just to celebrate and to all be together again," said Pamaran.

The pair will welcome family and friends this weekend.

By Monday, the ofrenda will be gone, carefully put away - until next year.

When asked if she feels the presence of those at the ofrenda, Pamaran said, "Yes, I do. I do. I feel their presence."

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