Latino Heritage Month to culminate in Dia de los Muertos Bash
October 24, 2017 | UHCL Staff
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition dating back centuries
that honors deceased loved ones. As the Hispanic population in Texas continues to
grow, the festival of Dia de los Muertos is becoming more mainstream and is often
combined with Halloween. It’s significant in Mexican culture, which is why the student
organization Hispanics Advancing Culture, Education and Rights, or HACER, is hosting
the Dia de los Muertos Bash on Nov. 1 from noon –2 p.m. in Atrium I of the Bayou Building.
The Bash is the culminating event of Latino Heritage Month, which included a book
display, and two panel “conversations” between students and professors discussing
various topics currently relevant to Latino students on campus and in the community.
HACER President Alexia Flores said that it was decided to hold the event in the Atrium
during “rush hour” so that the maximum number of students would be around to try the
free food, and perhaps try some face painting. “This year, HACER will be hosting the
event in collaboration with the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,”
Flores said. “In previous years, the event has been solely hosted by the office. Because
HACER is organizing it, students took part in planning, budgeting and fundraising
for it. We feel that it is more than just another event to attend. It’s our opportunity
to demonstrate to students that all Latino cultures are represented and celebrated.”
Flores said that Dia de los Muertos is always celebrated in her family and community.
“Sharing this with the university makes us proud of our Mexican heritage,” she said.
“HACER is striving to do more outreach, and give others a sense of our culture. This
event is not necessarily educational, but it has an educational outcome.”
The focal point of the Bash will be the altar, which will be set up in the Atrium
the week before the event. “Dia de los Muertos is a day to celebrate those who have
passed away, and to reflect upon our connection to our ancestors, who we are, and
where we come from,” Flores said.
“The goal of the altar is to show students the tradition of how we place items in
memory of our loved ones. We will display instructions on what to do and how to do
it by the altar.”
Flores said that other student groups, including Bilingual Education Student Organization
and Social Work Student Organization, will be on hand to help set up and decorate
the altar. “Each organization will host an activity,” she said. “It’s fun, and it’s
free for anyone who happens to be walking by. We hope everyone will visit.”
For more information about HACER and upcoming events, visit www.uhcl.edu/campus-life/involvement/student-organizations.
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