“What makes this country beautiful is its diversity,” said Supervisor Paloma Aguirre during a Día de Muertos celebration honoring immigrants.
Aguirre, who represents District 1, shared her remarks on Saturday, November 1, during the event held at the East Plaza of the County Administration Center in San Diego.
The media invitation described the occasion as “a vibrant Día de Muertos celebration honoring the journeys and dreams of the immigrant community.”
When asked about the meaning of the event and whether it would continue, Aguirre replied confidently, “Yes, of course. This is a pre-Hispanic tradition deeply rooted in Mexican culture. It’s a way to recognize and celebrate our loved ones who have passed on, and I believe these kinds of traditions are especially important in the times we’re living in.”
“It’s important for the community, for the public, to understand that what makes this country beautiful is the diversity of cultures,” Aguirre added. “Instead of hiding or trying to assimilate, we should celebrate and showcase our traditions and our culture.”
Aguirre, who previously served as Mayor of Imperial Beach, was the first to introduce these types of celebrations in that community.
“Obviously, this is a solemn tradition,” she continued, “but it’s also beautiful and joyful, because as we remember those who have gone before us, we’re recognizing and honoring them.”
When asked about her first experiences with this tradition, Aguirre recalled, “I grew up in Mexico from the age of eight until my twenties, and my mother would take us to the cemetery to visit her grandmother, my great-grandmother. It was our family tradition — we brought flowers and celebrated Día de Muertos.”
Although this celebration had been held four previous times at the County Administration Center by former District 4 Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, Aguirre emphasized that this was the first time in history it took place in District 1.
Paola Martínez Montes, Director of Community Relations for Supervisor Aguirre, explained, “It’s very important to build community here at the County Administration Center, especially for our Latino communities in San Diego.”
“We received more than 120 photos from community members — they’re displayed on the altars — from all over the district and even beyond. It’s incredibly meaningful to celebrate these traditions here, especially in the times we’re living in,” she added.
“The altar was open to everyone, and the response has been very diverse,” Martínez Montes said. “We’ve had participation from the Kumeyaay, the Luiseño, the Sherman Gomez Seri, and even from the Rincon Nation in North County.”
When asked whether there was also participation from Anglo-Americans, she replied, “We don’t exclude anyone — this is about bringing communities together. Día de Muertos has become more popular among other groups, but it’s a tradition rooted in our Latino and Mexican community here in San Diego County. That’s why we have the Mexican Consulate and the Sherman Heights Community Center here, both of which have supported these altars for more than 35 years.”