The 5th annual Altar y Muertos Bike Ride starts on Saturday, November 1st beginning at 12:00pm with bike decorating and roll out at 12:30pm. Riders are invited to gather at El Centro Milagro, 525 SE Stark Street (between SE Grand & SE Sixth Avenue) to view the first two altar displays - one in the theater’s lobby, and another in the El Zócalo community gathering space. Milagro staff will give all riders a garland of artificial marigolds, whose orange and yellow colors are believed to represent sun and light, helping guide the spirits back to the world of the living.

Día de los Muertos tradition calls for the building of ofrendas (altars) that often feature the deceased’s favorite things, along with photographs or other memorabilia. It is believe that the ofrendas allow departed souls to reunite with their living loved ones for this short but special window of time.

This year’s bike ride marks a powerful transition - crossing the bridge to expand partnerships into the Northeast, uniting two neighborhoods through Mexican tradition, art, and collective memory. Riders are given maps, coordinated by The Street Trust, to follow a pre-determined route, stopping intermittently at participating business locations that are hosting their own altars for public viewing.

The public is encouraged to dress in costume and decorate their bikes for the occasion. Participation in this event is free and open to all. A copy of the route map will be available to those who wish to view the community altars on their own schedule.

IDEAL PDX partners with Milagro Teatro and Central Eastside Together to match member businesses with Latino artists to create altars, which are displayed throughout the Festival. Participating locations and associated artists for the year’s Altares y Muertos Bike Ride are:

• Milagro - 425 SE 6th Ave. Portland, OR 07214
  Artists: Atzin Xomalli-Lagunas, Yathzi Turcot, Carolina Dulanto

• Cargo, Inc. - 81 SE Yamhill St. Portland, OR 97214
  Artists: Atzin Xomalli-Lagunas, Yathzi Turcot

• Literary Arts - 716 SE Grand Ave. Portland, OR 97214
  Artists: Atzin Xomalli-Lagunas, Marilyn Shaw, Marybelle “Marbe” Olea

• New Deal Distillery - 900 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
  Artists: Savina Monet, Ximena Morales

• Bar Botellon - 606 NE Davis St. Portland, OR 97214
  Artists: Santa Garcia Yurchenco

• Classique Floor & Tile - 835 E. Burnside St. Portland, OR 97214
  Artist: Marybelle “Marbe” Olea

• Nossa Familia Coffee - 1633 SE 3rd Ave. Portland, OR 97214
  Artist: Marilyn Shawe

• River City Bicycles - 534 SE Belmont St. Portland, OR 97214
  Artist: Ximena Morales

• Street Trust Bike Altar - This “mobile altar” will be bicycle-towed along the route!
  Artist: Carolina Dulanto