At the University of Southern Mississippi on Nov. 6, the Spanish Club hosted an event dedicated to Día de los Muertos, the annual celebration in which families honor the spirits of deceased loved ones with home altars, offerings of food, candles, marigolds and items the departed enjoyed in life.
The holiday originated from Indigenous traditions of Mesoamerica and later blended with Catholic influences. It is celebrated in November and emphasizes remembrance, continuity between life and death and community gathering.
“That is such an important tradition, especially in Latin America. But it’s also such an inclusive event, especially with honoring family members. It’s something that I feel like everyone can relate to … for that reason, we wanted to host it here on the USM campus because we’re such a diverse school, and we want to include everybody in the tradition,” club president Trey Johnston said.
Attendees participated in traditional face painting, crafted decorative items connected to the holiday, enjoyed customary dishes, connected with other participants and viewed an informational presentation that outlined the holiday.
Guest speaker Yareli Virgin, a middle school student, said, “It makes me feel more appreciation for my culture because both of my grandparents are from Mexico. It makes me happy to be able to come out and do this”.
Virgin believes that educating people on the holiday not only allows her to express her appreciation for her culture but also helps people understand the significance, and she encourages people to keep informing others.
“Always believe that you can do something that allows you to follow your passion,” said Virgin.
In conclusion of the event, the Spanish club awarded Virgin with a certificate to thank her for her dedication towards her culture and willingness to share it with others. The event aimed to educate, foster community and highlight the cultural depth of Día de los Muertos. Students interested in future Spanish Club events can visit Eagle Hub for details.