The start of November brought Dia de los Muertos to the University of Idaho.
Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that takes place Nov. 1 and 2, is a traditional celebration that pays tribute to ancestors. Literally meaning “Day of the Dead,” Mexican families dedicate these days to loved ones who have passed on. Rather than mourning, this event celebrates the dead.
Nov. 1 was Día de Muertos Chiquitos, and celebrated children who have departed. The festivity continued Nov. 2, which recognized all souls. During this celebration, altars are created and decorated with a picture of the deceased, soap, mirror, food and beverages.
“The souls are thought to go on a journey,” said Leathia Botello, multicultural programs coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “People provide food and water for the famished souls to rejuvenate.”
Churros, cake and hot chocolate were served as festive music played in the background, and 10 altars created by individuals and groups lined the walls of the Student Union Building ballroom. Steve Jobs and Cesar Chavez were among the deceased commemorated in the displays. Attendees also had the opportunity to create their own masks. In traditional celebrations, people wear masks to scare souls back to their resting place.
A speech explaining the holiday, common practices and traditional beliefs opened the ceremony.
“This custom is a way to bring the family together. It’s not intended to be sad,” said sophomore Haley Egan. “Family members rejoice that their departed loved ones are living in a better place.”
The evening also featured a calaveras contest, Spanish poems that make fun of the living. More than 80 poems were entered in the contest, and UI student Maria Torres won the competition with a poem about a close friend.
Altars honoring the dead were also part of a competition, and UI student John Karpe won for his altar commemorating his friend.
“This alter is for Matthew John, who passed away last semester,” Karpe said. “He was a good friend. My Spanish class collaborated on one alter, but I decided to create an individual one because it seemed appropriate.”
The student group College Assistant Migrant Program Organization of Students took first place in the group altar contest.
Student group Sabor de la Raza ended the ceremony with a performance of Folklorico, showcasing the traditional Mexican dance. They wore elderly masks and hats to frighten the spirits away.
The night ended with a dance featuring DJ Sir Juan and Spanish music.