STUDENTS CELEBRATE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

SILVIA OAKLAND, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Spanish and Latin Student Association (S.A.L.S.A.) held a fun and informational cookie decorating event on Oct. 31 in McCoy West. The event educated students on what Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, means in Hispanic cultures.

During the event, S.A.L.S.A. executive members gave a presentation that described the history, traditional elements and differences in how Dia de los Muertos is celebrated. In addition to the cookie decorating event, Luis Jiminez a third year music therapy major, set up an ofrenda, altar, in the Lily Relfection Room.

The ofrenda was open and students placed photos of loved ones and joined in on the celebration. Traditional ofrendas have multiple tiers to represent those who have been deceased for a longer period time, according to dayofthedead.holiday.

Along with photos, traditional ofrendas include the favorite food or drinks of the deceased family members. Candles are also placed on the ofrenda to help light the way for the souls’ journey to and from Earth, according to dayofthedead.holiday.

One reason these two events were held is to help inform students about the differences between Dia de los Muertos and Halloween. The celebration of Dia de los Muertos does begin on Halloween, but the two holidays have different purposes. Halloween is a time of scares, but Dia de los Muertos is a time to remember and celebrate loved ones that have passed.