SOUTH VALLEY, NM — Gabriel Salas and his family are still mourning the loss of his grandmother, Dolores, who passed away just a few months ago.

“She was an integral part of our lives. She raised me since I was a child, so she was my mother. We took care of her for the last 10 years of her life and we lost her recently,” Salas said.

Salas and his family were among those celebrating his life and those of others lost. These lives were remembered on Sunday during the Muertos and Marigolds celebration and procession, honoring Día de los Muertos at Rio Bravo Park in Albuquerque’s South Valley.

“It’s grown tremendously since then, so I’m happy to see it.” I actually went to school here in Harrison, so I remember coming to these fields in the morning before school. So to be back here, it’s a great experience,” Salas said.

Jessica Gallegos looks forward to dressing up for this event every year.

“The crown I made, I painted it. And then, if you can see, there are images along the crown. So Gabriel and I have been together since I was 15. So we have his grandparents and mine. My childhood dog too, then our dog Rebel and my grandfather, Daniel,” she said.

They weren’t the only ones looking festive for the annual Marigold Parade on Sunday. The weather delayed it slightly but the rain did not spoil morale.

“To me, it’s like what the bridge is made of so they can cross it.” And that’s why I feel like we’ll see a lot of them today, because their part is what we used to bring them back,” Arlene Gonzales said.

For many, the weekend is a time to celebrate life, mourn losses, and hold loved ones in spirit.

“I really believe they are coming. They are part of us for at least a day,” one person said.