Honoring Life, Culture, and Community: Día de los Muertos at the Forest Grove Farmers Market
Every fall, Main Street in downtown Forest Grove transforms into a tapestry of color, memory, and celebration. On Wednesday, October 29, Adelante Mujeres invited our community to gather once again for our annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, which is a beloved tradition that marks the final Forest Grove Farmers Market of the year.
This vibrant, family-friendly was a moment to honor our ancestors, celebrate life, and remember the threads that connect us all. Visitors enjoyed an evening filled with live music, local artisan vendors, and delicious food from across our region. Inside the Adelante Mujeres building, guests viewed altars (ofrendas) lovingly decorated to honor loved ones who have passed, and a space for quiet reflection. Outside, kids decorated ceramic skulls and got their faces painted.
“Día de los Muertos is a time to honor our ancestors, celebrate life, and strengthen our bonds as a community,” said Elizabeth Aguilera, Director of Communications at Adelante Mujeres. “We are proud to uplift this beautiful tradition while supporting local families and immigrant entrepreneurs who make our market possible.”
Each week, the Forest Grove Farmers Market brings together around 4,000 community members of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to celebrate local food, music, and connection. What began as a small market has become one of the most diverse community gatherings in the region. It is a place where neighbors become friends, cultures are shared, and everyone is welcome.
The market is a cornerstone of the Market Access Program at Adelante Mujeres, which serves as a small-business incubator for beginning Latine farmers and entrepreneurs participating in the organization’s Regenerative Agriculture and Empresas Small Business Development programs.
Shopping locally is a powerful act of solidarity. Each dollar spent at the Forest Grove Farmers Market helps sustain local farmers, immigrant-owned small businesses, and community artisans. At a time when immigrant communities across the nation face growing uncertainty, supporting organizations like Adelante Mujeres ensures that families have access to the resources, education, and advocacy they need to thrive.
“When you shop local, you’re investing in people and contributing to our shared civic life,” said Bridget Cooke, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Adelante Mujeres. “You’re supporting immigrant justice, sustainability, and the shared vision of a more inclusive Oregon.”
As we gathered for Día de los Muertos, we celebrated life, remembered those who came before us, and uplifted our community. We honor the legacy of our ancestors by building a future rooted in community, equity, and care for one another.
