Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, goes back about 3,000 years.
Its rich traditions are being kept alive today with the University of Memphis’ Hispanic Student Association (HSA).
“We put their (the deceased ones) pictures up, we offer their favorite foods and drinks, and if these offerings are on the table, people we lost are able to grab them and bring them to the land of the dead,” said Viridiana Sanchez-Angel, president of HSA.
On Friday, HSA hosted their Day of the Dead event in the University Center River Room. The group wanted to educate non-Hispanic students about the history and importance of November 1.
“The Day of the Dead is for Mexicans and Hispanics who are predominantly Catholic. They believe the Day of the Dead is when the loved ones cross the border between death and life to come visit their family,” Sanchez-Angel said. “It’s believed if you put their picture up, they can cross and if their picture is not up, they can’t.”
Before stepping into the event, participating students could be spotted with their faces painted as skulls, and Marigolds on their heads. Another part of the event was to introduce other aspects of the culture.
“My first impression was that it was very vibrant. Everyone or mostly everyone had flowers on their heads, there’s food, pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), Conchas, and hot chocolate,” said sophomore Mariza Castaneda-Sanchez.
HSA got students actively involved by incorporating many different activities like coloring, watching Book of Life, and decorating cookies. Brianna Whitaker, a freshman exercise sport and movement sciences major was one of many who took part in these festivities.
“I think it’s really accepting, and I really love the culture behind it and the education on what this is about. It stems from with Hispanic heritage and Mexican culture. I loved coloring and hanging out with everybody and having a laid-back time,” Whitaker said.
This event helps some students have a piece of home.
“The importance of this day is that some people are from out of state, or they can’t celebrate this event with their own loved ones back at home, so hopefully this event allows them to open up and feel more at home and feel like they can share the same cultural understanding as us,” said Sanchez-Angel.
The Day of the Dead brought to life the cultural lessons Castaneda-Sanchez has been taught.
“Day of the Dead is important to me because here in the US, my family has deviated from the traditions, and I feel like I’m not connected to my culture anymore,” she said. “I would see my family in Mexico celebrating and I would be jealous because they are doing all these celebrations and activities. So, coming here to the university and doing these types of events while learning something feels like I’m getting more connected to who I am. I would love to do an event like this with my family, it would be really great.”
