We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abril Rodriguez Villanueva. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abril below.

Abril, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Creating monumental altars is a profoundly meaningful project as it provides a space for me to channel my grief over the loss of my beloved grandmother, while also offering a healing environment for others to do the same. This endeavor will serve as a space where we can come together as a community, finding comfort and solace in each other’s company as we navigate the complex emotions that accompany such a profound loss.

The monumental altars will not only stand as physical tributes to our loved ones but also serve as focal points for collective healing and remembrance. By creating a space where people can honor their loved ones, share stories, and express their emotions, we can foster a sense of belonging and understanding among those who are experiencing similar feelings of loss and longing.

The Altar aims to provide a sanctuary where individuals can find solace in the company of others who are also grappling with grief. Through the act of building and contributing to the altar, we can collectively create a nurturing environment that honors the memories of our departed loved ones while providing a source of support and compassion for those who are mourning.

Ultimately, the monumental altars serves as a physical manifestation of our collective love and remembrance, fostering a sense of community and togetherness as we navigate the intricate journey of grief and healing. This project is not only a tribute to the memory of my grandmother but a gift to all those who seek a space of understanding and comfort during their own mourning process.

Abril, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born in Morelos, Mexico, the land of the Tlahuicas, an ethnic group that was part of the Aztec Empire. My family has been celebrating Dia de los Muertos for many generations. Drawing comfort and strength from this ancestral practice has been a deeply meaningful part of my life.

In addition to my indigenous heritage, I am also Afro-Indigenous, with a family history that includes ancestors who were enslaved to work in sugar plantations in Morelos. This complex heritage has shaped my identity and underscores the resilience and strength of my familial lineage.

As an Afro-Indigenous individual, I am proud to embrace and honor the diverse aspects of my heritage. The traditions and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of my ancestry, encompassing both indigenous and African roots. By acknowledging and celebrating these diverse elements of my identity, I aim to draw strength from the resilience of my ancestors and find empowerment in the legacy they have left behind.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I share your concern about the impact of commercialization and popularization on the diversity and richness of Dia de los Muertos traditions, particularly in the way people create altars. It’s true that the authentic beauty of this tradition lies in its diversity, as families, states, and regions have their unique ways of celebrating and building ofrendas and altars, each reflecting their distinct cultural and historical influences.

The commercialization and popularization of Dia de los Muertos, often driven by social media and other mass media platforms, can indeed homogenize and dilute the authenticity of these traditions, leading to a more standardized and less diverse representation of this deeply meaningful cultural practice.

Bringing awareness to this issue is essential in preserving the integrity and diversity of Dia de los Muertos celebrations. By highlighting the unique regional and familial variations in the way altars are created and ofrendas are presented, we can emphasize the richness and complexity of these traditions and underscore the importance of respecting and preserving their diverse expressions.

Encouraging discussions, sharing authentic stories and experiences, and showcasing the diverse ways in which people honor their departed loved ones can help counteract the trend of commercialization and standardization. By amplifying the voices and perspectives of those who have a deep connection to Dia de los Muertos, we can work to ensure that this beautiful and culturally significant tradition retains its diversity, richness, and authenticity for generations to come.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of creating altares de Muertos is the opportunity to provide comfort and a healing space for my community, and to witness the growth and resilience of those who partake in the tradition. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see individuals return year after year and observe the ways in which they have grown and adapted in the face of loss and grief.

In particular, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the growth and resilience of two children who lost their mother. Over the past three years, they have become like family to me, and it’s been a profound experience to watch them navigate their grief and learn to channel it through the celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

Seeing these children grow and mature, while also finding ways to honor their mother and process their emotions through the traditions of Dia de los Muertos, has been a poignant reminder of the healing power of this cultural practice. It’s a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the capacity for individuals to find solace and connection within their communities, even in the face of profound loss.

Being able to play a part in providing a supportive and nurturing environment for these children and others in the community is deeply meaningful, and seeing their resilience and growth year after year reaffirms the importance of preserving and honoring the traditions of Dia de los Muertos as a source of healing, remembrance, and communal support.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altar_degolden?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/gRaopqbaNSc?si=eqkxn-hqBUYU23xs

Image Credits
Picture by me : Abril R. Villanueva