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“New Jersey is home to an incredibly strong and vibrant Mexican American community, which is why I wanted to open Drumthwacket – the People’s House – to both celebrate Día de Muertos and acknowledge the rich contributions of our state’s Mexican and Latino residents,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Día de Muertos is a special time to come together with friends and family to reflect, connect with our ancestors, and remember loved ones who have passed. We were honored to mark this beautiful holiday and, when we looked at the altar, Phil and I truly felt the presence of our loved ones.”
On Día de Muertos, families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. The living family members treat the deceased as honored guests in their celebrations and leave the deceased’s favorite foods and other offerings at gravesites or on altars built in their homes.
As part of the event, Drumthwacket’s Music Room was transformed into an altar honoring the Governor and First Lady’s departed loved ones, including their late parents, siblings, additional family members and friends.
The altar was decorated by Lilia Rios and Francisco Del Toro, Co-Founders of La Providencia, and was adorned with photos, candles and bright marigolds called?cempasuchil alongside food for the deceased.
“The altar for the Dia de Muertos at Drumtwacket is a recognition of the Mexican community in New Jersey and a celebration of its rich culture and values. I am grateful to First Lady Tammy Murphy for opening the doors of Drumthwacket for the first time to Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions and allowing us to share them with the community as a whole with this beautiful altar,” said Mariana Díaz Nagore, the Head Consul of the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick.
“For us at La Providencia, it has been a true honor, pride, and privilege that the Governor and the First Lady have chosen our company to carry out the first celebration of Día de Muertos in the history of the Governor's Mansion. This celebration is undoubtedly a great source of pride for Mexico and Mexicans, as it represents the inclusion and diversity that this government emphasizes, especially promoting Mexican traditions to an unprecedented level. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this wonderful event and hope that it will be the first of many celebrations in this historic mansion,” said Lilia Rios, Co-Founder of La Providencia and altar designer.