Last Wed. Oct. 30., Concordia’s Valerosos y Curiosos STEM Grant partnered with the Unity Center to host a community event in Denault Auditorium to commemorate the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. Students Naomi Nakaya, Manuel Cardenas and Martin Martínez facilitated an educational discussion about Hispanic contributions to science, which was followed by a screening of the movie “The Book of Life.”

Before the film screening, a speech was given about tradition and education. The event organizers aimed to emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in the presentation. They wanted to “use the time to bring light on Hispanic contributions to science,” Martínez said.

Attendees were also introduced to the traditions of Día de los Muertos. The holiday actually consists of two days of celebration, starting on Nov. 1. On this first day, called the Día de los Inocentes, those who led a virtuous life are commemorated. “It is usually intended to celebrate infants and children,” Martínez said. 

The following day, Nov. 2, Día de los Muertos is famously celebrated. On this day it is believed that the soul of the deceased returns to the world of the living, and so the holiday centers on the lives of adults. 

Celebrations consist of preparing “ofrendas”, which are altars including “pictures, marigold flowers, candles, items the person favored in their time and past possessions,” Martínez said. But depending on the region or family, these days are lived in different ways, “Families may also visit gravesites, or create communal celebrations that entail music, dancing, and traditional foods. My family typically partakes in ofrendas.”

The altar and the offerings are central to the celebration of the holiday. These altar construction often has two levels, representing heaven and earth, with a third level sometimes added to represent purgatory. In addition, objects that represent the four elements of life are placed on it: water, fire, earth and wind.

The tradition of offerings encompasses many traditions, though the tradition may vary on the part of those with Mexican roots but who reside in the United States. 

“My family holds our Mexican culture very dear to our identities, so we do celebrate it the way my family back in Mexico does,” Martínez said. “Because the communal aspect isn’t as strong in America, it may differ for some,” he added.

The event also included a screening of “The Book of Life,” which is  inspired by the tradition of Día de los Muertos and tells the story of a young man who embarks on a journey through the world of the dead. The film heavily emphasizes the power of love and family, reflecting the important themes of the holiday. 

Tags: Día de los Muertos

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