Day of the Dead Celebration at College of the Desert
Clifford M. Horn
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: News
On Monday November 2nd, 2009, the Latino Leadership Network hosted the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at College of the Desert.
Dia de Los Muertos is a traditional Latino celebration that has been passed down through several Latin cultures to commemorate loved ones who have passed away, and combines All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is a tradition that is held every year, beginning on Nov. 1st through Nov. 3rd, and is celebrated around the world.
On the evening of Monday Nov. 2nd, the LLN (Latino Leadership Network) or-ganized an alter contest in celebration of the 'Day of the Dead' on the campus. Copal incense, used to purify the environment and guide the souls of the dead, filled the air near the HILB building. Elaborate alters were set up for loved ones who have passed, adorned with decorations, food, salt, candles, "Flor de Cempasuchil", photgraphs, saints, and items favorable by those individuals, all of which are significant symbols and steps of respecting and allowing the spirits of the dead to rest in peace.
Many circled to watch colorful Aztec dancers perform while eating fresh tamales. An alter was also built to recognize and respect Pedro Infante, a beloved singer in Latino culture.
Joana Ciurash, a native of Romania and currently a chemistry professor on the campus, comments "This is my first time attending here. It is very similar to customs in my country, Romania. Every first of November we would bring flowers and candles to the graves." Dia de los Muertos allows us to look into the face of an inevitable aspect of life, and respond to it with respect. The celebration is very colorful and "alegría."
This event is one of the many coming events put on by the LLN. "We want to encourage and support La-tinas for higher education. We want to advertise our culture." says LLN president Flor Diaz at College of the Desert. LLN also plans to organize and upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration and a fashion show.
Dia de Los Muertos is a traditional Latino celebration that has been passed down through several Latin cultures to commemorate loved ones who have passed away, and combines All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is a tradition that is held every year, beginning on Nov. 1st through Nov. 3rd, and is celebrated around the world.
On the evening of Monday Nov. 2nd, the LLN (Latino Leadership Network) or-ganized an alter contest in celebration of the 'Day of the Dead' on the campus. Copal incense, used to purify the environment and guide the souls of the dead, filled the air near the HILB building. Elaborate alters were set up for loved ones who have passed, adorned with decorations, food, salt, candles, "Flor de Cempasuchil", photgraphs, saints, and items favorable by those individuals, all of which are significant symbols and steps of respecting and allowing the spirits of the dead to rest in peace.
Many circled to watch colorful Aztec dancers perform while eating fresh tamales. An alter was also built to recognize and respect Pedro Infante, a beloved singer in Latino culture.
Joana Ciurash, a native of Romania and currently a chemistry professor on the campus, comments "This is my first time attending here. It is very similar to customs in my country, Romania. Every first of November we would bring flowers and candles to the graves." Dia de los Muertos allows us to look into the face of an inevitable aspect of life, and respond to it with respect. The celebration is very colorful and "alegría."
This event is one of the many coming events put on by the LLN. "We want to encourage and support La-tinas for higher education. We want to advertise our culture." says LLN president Flor Diaz at College of the Desert. LLN also plans to organize and upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration and a fashion show.
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