The Multicultural Innovative Community for Academic Success and Achievement brought together staff and students in the Center for Inclusion and Belonging on Oct. 28 to celebrate Dia de los Muertos-or Day of the Dead- and share its history.
“I have always been enthusiastic about the Day of the Dead. I grew up in Mexico so every year I would do this yearly celebration for the Day of the Dead,” said 19-year-old Spanish major Belen Martinez. “I felt it would be a really awesome experience to be able to share with Mexican guys and girls, to be able to connect and learn more about this huge celebration.”
A presentation by Martinez was shown to those in attendance, outlining the importance and historical significance of Dia de los Muertos. She shared multiple pictures from her own experiences with the holiday from her past schooling in Mexico.
Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican two-day long holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 by many people of either Hispanic or Latin heritage.
The holiday is a celebration and acknowledgement of the lives of those who have passed and often includes “ofrendas” or offerings such as food, pottery and personal objects.
Just outside of the CIB, tables were set up for students to place “ofrendas”, otherwise known as altars, for loved ones. These altars hold pictures, food, flowers, and other personal items to honor family and friends that have passed.
As students arrived they brought their own hand made altars in remembrance of loved ones. They were encouraged to share stories and pictures of their loved ones with other students.
MI CASA created a community altar for attendees to contribute to. Together, students created a large altar using items provided such as flowers, candles and pottery.
There is an importance in creating community in spaces like Cosumnes River College said MI CASA Director Melissa Sanchez. “We always want to remind them of what came before them and the traditions we hold. We want to make sure that they feel represented.”
Ethnic Studies Professor Ricky Gutierrez brought his students to attend the celebration. He said the collaborative celebration at the CRC campus builds community and emphasizes the importance of the holiday. He said that it’s important to honor the event and its values.
“The Day of the Dead event is really an opportunity for us to honor and uplift those values, the stories, the struggles of dignity in people that we knew and that we had lost, or people that we didn’t know.” Gutierrez said. “It becomes important to honor that space.”