In the glow of candles and the bright colors of marigolds, Día de los Muertos is a joyful celebration of life, wrapped in the traditions of remembering those who continue to walk beside us in spirit. These traditions come to life throughout Disneyland Resort at this time of year, perhaps most poignantly through a beautiful new mural now on display at Downtown Disney District.
Three passionate cast members from the Resort Enhancement team at Disneyland Resort came together to design “Love and Traditions,” which showcases the profound bonds of family and the enduring connection between generations. Ashley Flores as designer and team lead, along with artists Ramona Garcia and Danielle Lopez embraced the opportunity to honor their families and heritage through this mural. All three credit their families for shaping their paths as Disney creatives, making this project especially meaningful. For Ashley, it was following in the footsteps of her father who helped build several attractions at Disneyland Park. For Ramona, it was her father “who fed the creative fire” within her, and for Danielle, it was her older brother whose artistic side was a something she was always inspired to emulate.
The centerpiece of this beautiful mural is a family putting their ofrenda together with photos, traditional foods, candles and flowers. Ofrendas are offerings put on display at homes and cemeteries on Día de los Muertos to honor and remember deceased loved ones.
This tradition resonates strongly with the mural designers and plays different, but significant roles in each of their annual celebrations. Ramona’s family gathers every year for a barbecue and to set up an ofrenda. “We sing, we dance and have a good time around that table, because it’s like they were still there with us.” For Danielle, creating an ofrenda is something that she has come to truly cherish after losing two brothers in close succession. “[Día de los Muertos] has allowed me to introduce my children to all the wonderful qualities of their uncles that they never had the opportunity to experience.”
Visitors of the mural can see depictions of Danielle’s brothers and Ramona’s father and mother-in-law as part of the ofrenda, among several other images honoring late family members of the Resort Enhancement team.
On the outside panels, viewers will find a scene to the left depicting the marigold bridge used by ancestors to cross into the land of the living during Día de los Muertos. To the right, a festive music scene with musicians and dancers under rows of papel picado (cut-paper banners) highlight the festival La Calabiuza in El Salvador and Fèt Gede (Festival of the Ancestors) in Haiti.
(Left image) Depiction of the marigold bridge used by ancestors to cross into the land of the living during Dia de los Muertos. (Right image) Ramona points out the mural’s ofrenda, which honors several late family members of the Resort Enhancement team, including her father.
Now that their labor of love has been installed in Downtown Disney District, on display through Nov. 2, the mural team is thrilled to be able to share it with others. “I want guests to be drawn to this mural and feel the love that comes from it immediately,” said Ashley. “I hope they can continue to carry on their loved ones [in their hearts] like we do.” Ramona agreed, adding, “I hope it brings home the idea of family … remembering how lucky they are to have who they still have… and to carry things taught by family that have passed on because that keeps them here with you.”
The Día de los Muertos mural is one of many different art, music and culinary creations that were developed by cast members to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at Disneyland Resort. These unique-to-Disney opportunities are a reminder of the specialness of being a Disney cast member. “[Growing up,] I was always captivated by the storytelling, and to be a part of that is truly a dream come true,” Ashley said. Danielle agreed, adding, “I always appreciated the magic in the details as a guest, but now as a cast member, I know the magic that guests feel in the parks is the love and dedication that goes on backstage to bring these activations to life.” To see the Día de los Muertos mural for yourself, visit the west side of Downtown Disney District before Nov. 2 over by the new Din Tai Fung restaurant.
Mural designers and artists (from left: Ramona Garcia, Ashley Flores and Danielle Lopez are joined by Resort Enhancement Manager Trish Liebegott (far right) in front of the Día de los Muertos mural “Love and Traditions” designed for Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month at Disneyland Resort.