Day of the Dead Offers Enjoyable, Festive Activities.

Photo Credit /Alvin Shang Cassi Bediako wearing traditional calavera make-up

By Paige Moran 

Staff Writer

The Commuter Council and Latin American Association held a Día de los Muertos fiesta in the Commuter Lounge last Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Día de los Muertos, translated to Day of the Dead, is celebrated throughout Mexican and South American families on Nov. 1-2.    

“There was a constant flow of people,” Said Angela Dutan, president of Latin American Association.

“[Everyone] had lots of fun doing the activities available.”

There were a bunch of activities including rock and face painting, cookie decorating, poem writing and bachata, a form of dancing, that was being taught.

Fernando Alcantar, the director of Student Engagement, he has spent part of his life in Mexico.

“During the holiday, people write poems about the funniest way friends, or even themselves, could die,” he said.

“Día de los Muertos is making fun Death and proving we aren’t afraid of Her.”

Día de los Muertos is about remembering people who passed away.

In the middle of the room, both clubs set up an altar oferenda, in remembrance of Selena Quintanilla, a famous singer whose life was cut short by a deranged fan at age 23.   

The oferenda, translated to offering, is a collection of objects placed around the altar in honor of those who have passed. The oferenda created by the Commuter Council and Latin American Association was surrounded by flowers as students partied around it.

“There is not much appreciation for the Latin community,” said Rose Blanc, president of the Commuter Council.

“I’m a junior and this is the first time I’ve celebrated it.”

According to the National geographic, Nov. 1 is Día de los Inocentes, translated as the Day of Innocents, where children who have died are honored. White orchids and baby’s breath are used to adorn the children’s grave.

On Nov. 2 is Día de los Muertos is when the country celebrates the adults that have passed. Bright orange marigolds are used to adorn the adults’ graves.    

There is still some time to get your calavera, also known as sugar skull, make up ready for Día de los Muetros!

Email Paige at:

pmoran9@live.esu.edu