Local flower shop designs a 10 ft. ofrenda (altar) for locals to share photos in honor of loved ones who have passed away.
Floral boutique Forage Florals will be hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 28 at 1095 Meadowvale Road, Santa Ynez. The shop will have festivities around a 10-ft. high altar, or ofrenda, and will include holiday snacks and drinks such as pan dulce and Mexican hot chocolate.
Inspired to put on the celebration for some time, owner Jill Redman said, “I’ve always loved the idea of joyfully celebrating our lost loved ones in this manner. The magnitude
of loss that our world has endured over the last couple of years has been profound. I feel with this small offering, we can help each other heal through love and light.”
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition for remembering and honoring deceased family and friends. The holiday that celebrates both life and death welcomes back souls for a brief reunion with an altar and offerings including beverages, food, sugar skulls, photos and objects that were sentimental to the deceased.
“Our ofrenda is meant to bring our community together with cheerful love and honor for our dearest departed,” Redman said.
Since 2019 Redman has been providing the Santa Ynez Valley with arrangements using her background in interior design, fine art and entrepreneurship.