Master altar-maker designs ofrenda for Downey's Dia de los Muertos

Rosanna Esparza Ahrens and her mother, Ofelia Esparza, master altaristas.

DOWNEY — Downey residents are invited to view and participate in the Downey Community Altar (Ofrenda a la comunidad de Downey) that will be featured at the 8th annual Downey Dia de Los Muertos Art Festival, happening this Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm at the Downey Theatre.

The Downey Community Altar is an opportunity for residents to publicly honor a deceased family member, friend, neighbor, business colleague etc. by sending in a photo and a meaningful memento to be displayed.

Directions on how to submit photos are on the festival’s website: ddlm.downeytheatre.org 

Designed by seventh generation altarista Rosanna Esparza Ahrens, the daughter and protégé of Ofelia Esparza, the grande dame of L.A. altar making, the altar is the festival’s artistic focal point displayed in the newly designed plaza that fronts the Downey Theatre, labeled the “Plaza of Memories/Plaza de Recuerdos” for the event. 

Surrounding the fountain and adjacent to the altar are strategically placed marigolds, butterflies, candles and other traditional images associated with Dia de los Muertos.

All of nine of Esparza’s children build altars as part of their Mexican heritage and tradition, however, Rosanna is the artistic heir, to whom she is passing the torch. 

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Rosanna, a professional graphic artist, said she realized her destiny in early 40s; today, at 6l years old,  she’s committed to preserving the artistic integrity that her mother embraced.

“The ofrenda is the essence of Dia de los Muertos—it represents the connection of the living and dead,” she said.

Both Rosanna and her mother were commissioned by the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum to install a permanent altar in the “Becoming Los Angeles” exhibit, and both served as cultural advisors to PIXAR’s 2017 movie “Coco.”