By Jim Cunningham and Flip Hassett
The annual All Souls Day celebration in Hornitos is this Saturday, Nov. 2. The Hornitos event is about 120 years old and is a not-to-be-missed local event.
Hundreds of people from all over California normally take part in the multicultural tradition that brings lots of celebratory activity to this historic little foothill town.
People start to gather in the town plaza in the early afternoon already dressed in colorful clothing and painted faces in Day of the Dead style. Face painters are at the ready to paint faces of anyone, young or old, that wish to have it done. There is music, and games for the kids, and the Plaza bar is opened for those adults who want a drink or maybe a bite to eat.
As the evening light starts to fade the local Cal Fire fireman light all of the Luminarias which adorn the path leading from the plaza up to St. Catherine’s Church.
As the church bell tolls the silent procession of people, led by the Catholic Bishop, begins to wind their way up the hill to the church. Most of the marchers carry a lighted candle and marigolds to be placed on a grave and honor someone in the old cemetery by the old church. The placing of candles on graves is an old Mexican tradition brought to Hornitos by the old gold miners.
The march is culminated with a prayer at the grave of Dona Candlelaria de Sapien. She is known as the keeper of the Hornitos Dia de los Muertos celebration.
After the celebration everyone is welcome to come to the community hall for a dinner.
If you want to have a nice pleasant drive and be part of an historic event this would be a good choice for all ages.
Jim Cunningham and Flip Hassett are both retired, but they remain active in Merced County as community advocates, local history buffs and photographers.