People gathered Sunday afternoon at the Newport’s Performing Arts Center to celebrate Day of the Dead by listening to live music, watching dance performances, and partaking in the Catrina costume contest.

With an alter adorned with marigolds, live music and dancing, Dia de Los Muertos in Newport on Sunday honored deceased loved ones with celebration and resilience.

Inside the Performing Arts Center, a large ofendra carried delicate garlands of papel picado, framed photographs of loved ones who have passed and objects that were significant to them. The offerings, along with candlelight and marigolds, are used to help guide souls to the living world.

**Bret and Gia Jensen dress in traditional skull makeup as Catrina and Catrin, characters associated with Dia de los Muertos.**

Although Day of the Dead is a holiday centered around death, it is not a time to grieve, but to celebrate. Several groups including Ballet Folklorico and Arcoíris Cultural organized the event which included several dance performances, face painting, a Catrina costume contest, vendors and music.

Earlier this week, Driftwood Public Library in Lincoln City announced that it would not hold its annual celebration after a community vote to “ensure the well being” of community partners’ loved ones. Many Dia de Los Muertos events across the country were cancelled amid increased immigration enforcement and heightened fear of deportations.

Just last week, Oregon saw its largest immigration raid to date in Woodburn when 30 people were detained.

While the mood at the Performing Arts Center was celebratory, event speakers acknowledged the heartache of immigrant families being separated. Organizers stressed the importance of community in the face of hardship.

— Shayla Escudero/Lincoln Chronicle