Gabriella Chikhani
Staff Writer
The Latino Student Forum organized a festive Dia de los Muertos event Oct. 30 in Sneaky Park and offered crafts, food and culture to students.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated every Oct. 31-Nov. 2. The cultural tradition is that the gates of heaven open up for spirits to come down and enjoy the festivities and company of their family and friends.
“I think this is a great way to get people exposed to the culture and to learn what it is exactly that we celebrate,” said Jose Rios, sophomore biology major.
LSF offered free food and churros to students and 100 commuters. During the event different stations were scattered around the park such as an arts and crafts station where students decorated sugar skull masks and skull “toothpick holders” made from shot glasses.
Several students took advantage of the area designated as the dance floor.
Next to the arts and crafts station was a makeshift altar where LSF members placed pictures of deceased family members, candles, yellow and orange flowers, pink and green plastic skulls and a colorful banner with the word “fiesta.”
“The altar is where we remember the people who have passed away and it’s not supposed to be sad it’s supposed to celebrate the life they lived,” said Jacqueline Perez Valencia, junior business administration major and president of LSF.
Lilly Walters, face painting specialist, used her cases of paint, stencils and glitter and decorated the students’ faces in hues of blue and pink.
“This event is very significant to me because I can’t do it at home since I live on campus and it reminds me of my traditions back home,” Perez Valenica said.
Monica Aguinaga, senior communications major and Spanish minor, is the director of activities for LSF and said this year’s Dia de los Muertos event was stronger than last year because of an increase in club members.
The modern languages department donated money to LSF to help pay for the activities.
Gabriella Chikhani can be reached at gabriella.chikhani@laverne.edu.
