By: Megan Clark Campus Life Editor
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday during which families honor their deceased love ones and help guide them back to the mortal world from the afterlife.
Western celebrated its own Dia de los Muertos on Oct. 28.
The presentation, held in the WUC, began with live music and offerings of hot cocoa. Dr. Jaime Marroquin Arredondo presented a short slideshow, which highlighted the history of Dia de los Muertos and its connection to Halloween.
The tradition of Dia de los Muertos began prior to the Spanish invasion. It’s now celebrated as a combination of All Saints’ Day, a Spanish holiday where the dead are remembered, and the traditions and religion of the native inhabitants of Mexico.
In modern day Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated by making altars for the dead and building arches covered in flowers to help guide their way through the living world.
Death is presented as a woman, the most notable representation being La Catrina, a skeleton wearing a feather and flower adorned hat, designed by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada.
Sugar skulls are another famous image that originates from Dia de los Muertos.
They are colorful decorations made from sugar and clay. Making sugar skulls is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century, when local residents were taught by Catholic monks how to make them. These skulls were used to adorn churches and gravestones. They can be made to represent a deceased individual, often having a name inscribed on the forehead of the skull.
Dia de los Muertos is intended to bring families and friends together. Dr. Marroquin stated, “It’s community, it’s a familiar thing … It’s a family celebration, you have to drink and enjoy.”
The event was attended by a large and diverse group of spectators, including those who have celebrated this holiday before, and those who were unfamiliar with it.
Sandra Dominguez, senior education major, said, “It’s something from my culture, so it’s nice to see on campus.”
Those in attendance were offered pan de dulce—a sweet, sugary bread, the taste and texture being similar to a doughnut or sugar cookie—and tamales. Emily Lowry, senior business major, said, “I have never been to these kind of events before … I thought it was well organized and thoughtfully put together.”
Overall, this holiday is meant to celebrate the living and the dead. This holiday is not intended to be for mourning, but festivities and bringing community and family together.
“It would be considered something rude to be sad, so you have to drink your tequila … It’s a happy celebration,” Dr. Marroquin said.
