Every year as Día de los Muertos , or Day of the Dead, approaches, bakeries across Portland fill their shelves with pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, a sweet, round load typically topped with sugar or sesame seeds. The bread’s round shape symbolizes the cycle of life and death, while the cross of dough on top represents bones.

The loaf is placed on a family’s ofrenda, or altar, as an offering for the dead. For the two-day holiday celebrated Nov. 1-2, ofrendas are adorned with food, marigolds, sugar skulls, candles and other sentimental items to guide and welcome the souls back.

For many, pan de muerto is a seasonal staple. But at La Casa de Mamá, a vegan pop-up bakery in Portland, it’s a handmade item that brings family together. For chef and founder Miriam Carrera, baking the tradi

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