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.
