Ofrenda - Karen Velderrain-Lopez

The title of my ofrenda is "A Reconnection to Roots and Family." Its purpose is to honor some of my family members who have passed and embrace Mexican culture and tradition. I took inspiration from an already existing mini-ofrenda we had and was able to make it a little grander. As such, I was able to remember and honor my family and embrace my roots with this ofrenda.

I was able to get my mom to help me in terms of what items I should use to honor my family and thus embrace the idea of passing down tradition through family, as we have learned about. I used 3 candles, holy water, a lot of iconography of the Virgen de Guadalupe, and 2 rosaries (as my grandmother was very religious). I also used a repurposed mole cup for the water - as my grandma used to make mole a lot for special occasions and encouraged us to reuse the glasses. I also incorporated my family member's favorite food and drink elements, as well. I also used some flowers, as well.

I wanted to make this ofrenda with the purpose of honoring my family because I have not had many interactions with my extended family back in Mexico. Consequently, I have often felt a disconnect between myself and my cultural identity. I wanted to embrace it by expanding on the altar we already had at home and truly personalize it. With this ofrenda, I was able to honor and remember my family, connect more with my family and my heritage, and experience Mexican culture in a way that I hadn't prior.