Here lies more than a century of stories. The Cementerio de Calderón is saturated with history. It is also filled with tombstones lacking any clear order. Despite this seemingly chaotic arrangement the Cementerio de Calderón remains a vital keeper of tradition.
Let’s step inside the Cementerio de Calderón. Founded officially in 1934 this cemetery was a burial ground long before its formal creation. For over 120 years people have been laid to rest here. Though small almost the size of a football field it holds a significant place in local culture.
Notice the entrance. It is often adorned with cempasúchil flowers more popularly known as the flower of the dead. Legend says their scent attracts the deceased. You might also spot vendors outside its gates.
Take a look around. The Cementerio de Calderón lacks a clear architectural style. Families buried their loved ones wherever they chose. Today there are plans to build up to four-level blocks of tombs. The aim is to create defined mausoleums. These will mark each deceased’s space.
See the decorations? The Cementerio de Calderón is characterized by many adornments. Colors abound here. Religious iconography is common. Portraits of saints are displayed. Flowers both real and crafted decorate the graves. All these decorations sit on crosses or bricks. These identify the burial spot. The rest is bare earth.
Look closely at the tombstones. You might spot guirlandas of cellophane flowers. You may also see tarrinas containing locro and colada morada. Colada morada is a traditional Day of the Dead drink in Ecuador. It is made with 25 ingredients and a base of purple corn. It represents the blood of the deceased.
The Cementerio de Calderón is a place where traditions come alive. The Day of the Dead is a particularly important time. Families gather. They share food and memories. They honor those who have passed.
Notice the offerings. You may see a vaso of colada morada. A guagua de pan often accompanies it. The guagua de pan is a bread figure symbolizing the body of the deceased.
Read the messages. You might spot a cloth banner with printed words. It expresses love for a departed mother. “Te amo mamá con todo mi corazón porque has sido una buena madre” it reads. “I love you mom with all my heart because you have been a good mother”.
Each year on November 2nd the community celebrates Día de los Difuntos. It is also known as Day of the Dead. Rituals take place. There are funeral rites. Conversations happen. There is dancing and music. Agrados gifts are given to the deceased. A productive fair circuit complements the tradition. It takes place outside the Cementerio de Calderón.
The Cementerio de Calderón is more than just a burial ground. It’s a vibrant tapestry of traditions. It is a place where the past is honored. It’s a place where the community gathers. It’s a place where memories live on. Here life and death intertwine.