The Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos is a day of remembrance and celebration for loved ones we have lost. The belief goes that for a brief period of time the border between the spirit and the real world vanishes, allowing the souls of the dead to make the journey across to their loved ones to feast, drink, dance and play music. In turn, the living family members lay out their offerings, ofrendas, and treat their deceased as honored guests in their celebrations. 

On November 1st the Latinx Student Success Center (LSSC) hosted an event for El Dia de los Muertos allowing students of all backgrounds to come together and build a community. Through conversing, a game of Lotertia, prizes, pan dulce and hot chocolate, attendees were able to get a feel of the meaning behind El Dia de Los Muertos as well as the Mexican culture. 

Conversations sprung about the holidays’ meanings for each and every one of us. Some of the attendees expressed how they felt the celebration was welcoming even though they had no Mexican heritage. They felt like they too could embrace Mexican culture and celebrate their lost loved ones’ lives. For others, like myself, El Dia de los Muertos meant reconnecting with our roots and heritage in our way.  

Marina Franco, a student and worker for the LSSC at CSUEB, has a unique perspective on El Dia de los Muertos. She shared with the rest of the attendees how as a first generation student she had to find and create her own meaning of culture. To her, embracing this holiday meant that she could honor those she lost and feel closer to her Mexican heritage. 

The LSSC also put together their own ofrenda, in the CORE for CSUEB students to put up photos of their loved ones who have passed. Alexis Barranco, a student at CSUEB, felt it important to put up the photos of his Tio (uncle) Rami and Tia (aunt) Martha in order to honor and celebrate them. When asked why El Dia de los Muertos was important for him he replied: 

“Day of the dead has been important to me ever since I was a little kid and I lost my grandpa, as a kid it gave me a sense of comfort knowing that I can leave out his favorite snacks and food and he would come visit and enjoy them. Now it really helps me cherish the memories of loved ones that will forever be with me until it is my time to move on.”

Though the customs of El Dia de los Muertos are particular to Mexican heritage they have evolved into becoming something unique for those who celebrate it. So whether it’s through building an ofrenda or taking your deceased loved ones flowers, El Dia de los Muertos gives people the opportunity to see death in a more positive light and as a natural part of the human experience together.