Mitch SorensenColourful garlands, skulls, and a full-size altar in celebration decked out the lobby of Enterprise Square for Dia de los Muertos in October.
Hosted by the Faculty of Extension as part of their Spanish language program, the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations served not only as a community event, but also as part of course programming.
Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition, held annually from October 31 through November 2. Celebrators, ofrendas (altars) are dedicated to loved ones that have passed away, and are decorated with images of saints, skulls, flowers, and offerings of food and drink. Different days of the festival Bosch characterized Dia de los Muertos as a unique cultural festival that has more in common with Thanksgiving than Western Halloween.
“Death isn’t a scary thing or a gruesome thing, it’s a beautiful thing,” Bosch said. “(Death) is just the next step in the journey. It doesn’t deliver the same message as Western Halloween at all.”
Many Spanish students had oral exams during the festivities, but Faculty of Extension Program Co-ordinator Shaun Bosch said that bringing traditions to the community was the main focus of the event.
“Community engagement is at the forefront of the Faculty of Extension’s mission statement,” Bosch said. “It’s great to have things like this that brings the community out.”
