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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 832 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 832

   Commemorating the annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos in the 
                  United States and around the world.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            November 1, 2023

 Mr. Grijalva (for himself, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Ms. 
    Barragan, Mr. Castro of Texas, Ms. Caraveo, Ms. Velazquez, Mr. 
 Espaillat, Mr. Casar, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, 
Mr. Costa, Mr. Correa, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Norton, Ms. Sanchez, 
 Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Salinas, Mr. Tonko, Mrs. Watson Coleman, 
 Mr. Cardenas, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, and 
Mr. Soto) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
               Committee on Oversight and Accountability

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Commemorating the annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos in the 
                  United States and around the world.

Whereas, on November 1 and 2 of each year, the United States celebrates All 
        Souls' Day, also known as Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, to 
        honor friends, family members, and loved ones who have passed;
Whereas Dia de los Muertos includes traditions and rituals that trace their 
        origins to diverse celebrations and beliefs held by pre-Hispanic 
        cultures and indigenous groups of Mesoamerica;
Whereas Dia de los Muertos celebrations in pre-Hispanic times were led by the 
        goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as ``Lady of the Dead'', and the 
        celebration lasted a month;
Whereas after the Spanish arrived in Mexico and began converting the native 
        peoples to Roman Catholicism, the holiday was moved to coincide with All 
        Saints' Day and All Souls' Day;
Whereas the memory of loved ones is commemorated through a traditional altar 
        containing ofrendas (offerings) and honoring their memory ensures they 
        never cease to exist;
Whereas Dia de los Muertos allows individuals, families, and communities to 
        mourn, reflect, and celebrate the universal experience of death, through 
        their ancestors, loved ones, and the living;
Whereas community events celebrate the memory of the departed and educate 
        younger generations about cultural heritage;
Whereas Dia de los Muertos reinforces familial bonds and the importance of 
        honoring one's ancestry;
Whereas Dia de los Muetros emerged and gained prominence during the 1960s, 
        symbolizing cultural pride, heritage, and resistance;
Whereas the tradition of Dia de los Muertos has grown in popularity across the 
        United States, showcasing the vast influence of Mexican culture on 
        American society;
Whereas Latinos have played a pivotal role in enriching the cultural tapestry of 
        the United States;
Whereas the blending of traditions and shared celebrations exemplifies the unity 
        and diversity that strengthen the United States as a Nation;
Whereas Latinos account for 20 percent of the total United States population;
Whereas Spanish is the most common language spoken behind English in the United 
        States;
Whereas Latinos are estimated to reach 111,000,000 in numbers by 2060; and
Whereas Latinos have made substantial contributions in various industries 
        including arts, sciences, politics, and business, further contributing 
        to the Nation's progress: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos 
        in the United States and around the world;
            (2) celebrates the remembrance of Latinos and loved ones 
        that have enriched the United States; and
            (3) recognizes the cultural contributions Mexicans and 
        Mexican Americans have made to the United States.
                                 <all>
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