‘Día de los Muertos’ celebrated at Zenger Farm

Here’s why – and where – many outer East Portland families enjoyed the Hallowe’en season, with a Hispanic flair …

In the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, families enjoy the afternoon at Zenger Farm’s annual Día de Muertos celebration.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

With so many Hallowe’en events this year, Zenger Farm again elected to celebrate Día de los Muertos – as translated from Spanish, “Day of the Dead” — celebration of life and death. And they did it a few days early, on October 28th, to the delight of many.

Most of the activity was centered in and around the Zenger Grange building. Activities included face painting, making paper flowers, and papel picado – making punched or perforated paper folk art as found throughout Mexico.

Taking a break to talk about the day’s events is Megan Owen, Development and Communications Manager at Zenger Farm, along with Operations Manager Prairie Hale — here holding budding farmer William.

“Welcome to our sixth annual Día de los Muertos Celebration,” greeted Zenger Farm Development and Communications Manager Megan Owen. “We’ve had some performances, and food made by our Community Chefs, as well as providing farm tours.

“With this event we are focusing on bringing in our outer Southeast Portland families here from our surrounding neighborhoods, because we want to engage them with Zenger Farm,” Owen explained. “Want area residents to have more of a connection with these green spaces and native plants; and we hope they learn more about how their food grows and plays a part in the overall food system.”

Zenger Farm Youth Educator Frida Carolina checks in guests Sanny Adams and Unra Adams Jr.

In the Zenger Farm Grange kitchen, Community Chef Paula Hernandez keeps an eye on her Mexican Pozole – a hearty traditional soup made with hominy and chicken – with a vegan style alternative version available.

“The good that comes from this celebration is people creating connections with one another, and with this space,” observed Owen. “And, the funds and sponsorships raised by this celebration allow us to keep our Youth Education, Chef Education, and Apprenticeship programs accessible to everyone!”

The Zenger Farm Grange is alive with activity during this ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration.

To learn more about Zenger Farm, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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