In American society, death usually isn’t a cause for celebration. In fact, death is often a taboo subject. But the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, honors those who died and attempts to portray death in a more positive manner.
“Dia de los Muertos is a traditional celebration observed throughout Latin America during which people remember their ancestors and their deceased loved one,” explained English professor Amy Lombardi, who organized a celebration of Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 1 at the Main Quad Along with members of Latina/o Empowerment At De Anza members, Lombardi.
Twenty-two students from the EWRT 211 class participated in the events and made altars in honor of their loved ones or famous figures that have died. Among the altars were some to Bob Marley, Neil Armstrong, and Princess Diana.
Liberal arts major Maria Chavez said she has been making personal altars for loved ones for many years.
“It is for our family and friends, specifically for my father, grandfather, my best friend, and my boyfriend,” she said. “We try to decorate the altars with as much bright colors as we can, just to help the spirits find their way home.”
Altars are traditionally decorated with sugar skulls, candles, marigolds, and deceased people’s personal and favorite things.
“Marigolds are very traditional,” Chavez explained. “They are bright at this time of year.”
Although the scheduled Aztec dancers were unable to make it to the event, students had fun decorating little sugar skulls with brightly colored icings. A large poster board was available for students to write messages about their deceased loved one, or just to wish them well.
While Latino music played, a couple face painters, such as Vanessa Sun, painted sugar skull designs onto students’ faces. Even professor Lombardi joined in and had half her face painted. One gentleman opted not to have a sugar skull design and instead got The Joker painted on his face.
Although students created the altars for the events, most of them had never participated in real Dia de los Muertos altars. But many agreed that the event was a great learning experience.
“I think it’s cool to see how the tradition has taken on in California,” Chavez said. “Even on campus, I appreciate that people celebrate it now because it makes death a subject that can be talked about, not avoided.”
(Noor Hakim/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
(Noor Hakim/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
(Noor Hakim/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
(Noor Hakim/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
(Noor Hakim/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
(Noor Hakim/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
