Barrio Viejo in Tucson in Pima County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
El Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 10, 2012
1. El Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza Marker
English
In 1981, two young brothers, Orlando and Diego Mendoza, died when a drunk driver ran a stop sign at this intersection hitting the car in which the two children were riding. Orlando was 2 years old; Diego was 17 months. The accident left behind their heartbroken parents, Frank and Mary Mendoza. This rock and concrete shrine was built by neighbors in memory of these two young children. Today this park serves as a quiet respite and a reminder of how precious life is.
The colorful wall adornments in the park are based on "papel picado" or paper cutouts used on the "Day of the Dead" or "Día de los Muertos" which is celebrated on Nov 2nd. On this day, the memory of departed loved ones is honored by Hispanic families. "Day of the Dead" celebrations are held here at "El Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza" in memory of the two little brothers and other children that have left before their time. We can all do our part to honor the memory of Orlando and Diego by not drinking and driving.
Spanish
En 1981, dos hermanitos, Orlando y Diego Mendoza, murieron cuando un conductor ebrio se pasó el alto en esta intersección y chocó contra el automóvil en cual los niños viajaban. Orlando tenía 2 años; Diego solo tenia 17 meses. El accidente dejo a sus padres, Frank y Maria Mendoza, inconsolables.
this page online
La pared del parque esta adornada de muchos colores estilo “papel picado” que se acostumbra mucho durante las celebraciones del “Día de los Muertos” cuando familias hispanas festejan la memoria de sus seres queridos que han muerto. El “Día de los Muertos” se celebra el 02 de noviembre en este parque en memoria de Orlando y Diego y todos los niños que han fallecido antes de su tiempo. Todos podemos hacer nuestra parte para honrar la memoria de Orlando y Diego al no beber y conducer.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Hispanic Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1865.
Location. 32° 12.734′ N, 110° 58.305′ W. Marker is in Tucson, Arizona, in Pima County. It is in Barrio Viejo. Marker is at the intersection of South Convent Avenue and West 18th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Convent Avenue. Monument is located on the northwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tucson AZ 85701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. One Story from the Barrio Viejo (a few steps from this marker); Temple Emanu-El (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carlos Ygnacio Velasco House
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 15, 2012
2. El Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 15, 2012
3. Shrine at El Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 15, 2012
4. Plaque at Base of Shrine
English
This shrine was built with materials and services donated by over twenty-five residents of Barrio Viejo of Tucson. The shrine is dedicated to the children of the neighborhood—————
Spanish
Este relicario fue construido con materiales y servicios donados por más de veintticinco residentes del Barrio Viejo de Tucsón. El relicario es dedicado paralos niños del Barrio
Artists: Mark Bahti – Julio Bernal – Michael Olivas – Peter Olivas – Antonio Guzman
This shrine was built with materials and services donated by over twenty-five residents of Barrio Viejo of Tucson. The shrine is dedicated to the children of the neighborhood
Este relicario fue construido con materiales y servicios donados por más de veintticinco residentes del Barrio Viejo de Tucsón. El relicario es dedicado paralos niños del Barrio
Artists: Mark Bahti – Julio Bernal – Michael Olivas – Peter Olivas – Antonio Guzman
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 15, 2012
5. Orlando and Diego Mendoza Park
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 15, 2012
6. Colorful Wall Adornments in the Park
The colorful wall adornments in the park are based on "papel picado" on paper cutouts used on the "Day of the Dead" or Dia de los Muertos".
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,946 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on May 6, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 23, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
