On Wednesday, October 30th in Foothills Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Multicultural Center an event and a celebration was held in honor of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated across Latin America. This event was also the closing ceremony for Foothill’s Latiné Heritage Month. Delicious food and snacks were offered during and after the event, and attendees could participate in activities like altar building, where you could email a picture of a passed loved one to the BIPOC Center and attach that printed picture to an altar, or ofrenda, dedicated to their memory.
During the seminar, a presentation was held describing the cultural significance, practices, and history of Día de Muertos. Its origin with the Aztecs and the celebration of death as not an end, but part of a natural cycle was highlighted. An essential aspect of these festivals was how they were meant to be both sorrowful and joyful, as you missed those who passed but at the same time celebrated their lives. Laurie also went over how rituals and practices, such as Día de Muertos, were suppressed by colonizers during periods of time such as the Spanish occupation. Despite the best efforts of colonizers, however, they were unable to break the resilience of indigenous communities, as those native peoples would adapt and blend their customs with those of the Catholics.
Laurie, joined by Jerry Robledo, also highlighted the importance of Cultural Exchange as opposed to Cultural Appropriation. Some of the important behaviors that they highlighted were to approach everything from a place of thoughtfulness and respect, and to not treat Día de Muertos as a “costume” or “aesthetic.” Additionally, if you are making an ofrenda then try to purchase materials from an authentic vendor or artist, instead of buying things from Target or Costco. Most importantly, if you are unsure just ask! Find a person you know, or a resource, who is familiar with or practices Día de Muertos and ask questions. Just be sure to have an open mind and be ready to learn!
Laurie Scolari’s ofrenda. Pictured are her father and other family with items that were dear to them in life.
To close the event, Hilda Fernandez led the room in a ritual known as “presente” or “present” in English. When checking into the BIPOC Center you were offered a piece of paper on which you could write the name of someone who passed, and as Hilda read them off, the room would respond with “presente” to signify that their spirits were present in the room.
Día de Muertos is right around the corner, taking place on November 1st and 2nd. If you are interested and do not normally celebrate this holiday, then please make sure to be thoughtful and respectful as you do! Events like these are also hosted frequently by the BIPOC Multicultural Center, located in Room 2149.
