People stopped by to snap photos, add notes to their loved ones, decorate sugar skulls and nibble on pan de muerto (bread of the dead).Ītop the altar sits of a photo of Mexican actress María Félix. This week, Trino Sandoval and Margarita Valentine, both Spanish-language professors, set up the altar in the Student Union. Sugar skulls are meant to recognize the sweetness of life. Marigolds line the path to the altar, directing the spirits toward it. There's always water, to quench their thirst. The items on the altar help guide and nourish the spirits who return to earth to visit, Spanish-language professor Trino Sandoval said. It is believed that the pathways between the living world and the spirit world open, allowing our deceased family, friend and pets to return and visit us. It's definitely just very impactful to remember your loved ones in such a colorful way as opposed to mourning."
"It's less fearful," Rodriguez said. "It's more of a celebration of a loved one. Many times, death is treated mournfully, with people wearing black.ĭía de los Muertos, however, celebrates loved ones who have died as a way to remember them. It contrasts with how death is typically treated in the United States.
The holiday is usually celebrated on Nov. It's not just Halloween, it's not just fall or Thanksgiving, that this is a really integral part to some students' lives here." What is Día de los Muertos? "It looks like they're taking care of their students," Rodriguez said. "Because now that we know that there's such a huge population of Latino students here on campus, it's definitely just heartwarming to know that there's a part that's also watching out for us and knowing that we do celebrate this. More than half - 54% - of Phoenix College's more than 12,000 students are Hispanic.Īide Rodriguez, a returning student, and the college’s social justice coordinator said the school's recognition of the holiday shows an important understanding and recognition of the student body. The number of Latinos pursuing postsecondary education or training is improving, but Arizona will not meet its 60% goal without narrowing opportunity gaps for people of color. Here are a few of the ways you can participate in Día de los Muertos this year from the safety of your own home, including making a piñata, painting sugar skulls, and attending expert-led cultural classes.The opportunity gap for Latino students is something policymakers in Arizona worry about, considering the state's K-12 system is increasingly Latino. In México, Día de los Muertos is celebrated in most parts of the country with many events including festivals, parades, offerings, dances, music, crafts, and more.įestivities are expected to look a bit different this year as many major events surrounding the day have been canceled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Día de los Muertos celebration in México was officially recognized in 2008 by UNESCO as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In other cultures, such as Uruguay where the day is known as el Día de los Difuntos, it’s a special day to visit the graves of friends and family members. In some cultures, such as Oaxaca, México, it’s believed that the almas of the dead can cross back from the spiritual world for the day. It’s a time where many families in Latin America pay respects at the grave of their dearly departed loved ones or create altars in their homes. Across Central and South America, people gather together to honor Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from November 1st to November 2nd each year.
0 kommentar(er)
