The Carlmont Latinos Unidos x Black Student Union (BSU) is inviting students to participate in several activities this week to honor Día de los Muertos.
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones. Families often spend this day creating an altar and remembering passed-on relatives.
The club wishes to further educate the Carlmont community about the holiday by creating ways for students to participate in traditional celebrations.
“This year, we are offering traditional face painting in the quad and picture frame decoration, where students can decorate picture frames to put in pictures of their loved ones,” said Kimberly Garcia Cancio, president of Latinos Unidos x BSU.
The club is also setting up a traditional ofrenda, which is an altar dedicated to the deceased. Students are invited to bring pictures and decorations to help add to the ofrenda.
“The ofrenda is going to be in the S-wing. There will be candles, lights, decorations, flowers, and pictures of loved ones,” said club co-advisor Rosa Pissani Medina, a Carlmont Spanish teacher.
Smaller activities such as face painting or picture frame decorating were created to be accessible to the student body. By inviting students to add to the ofrenda and learn about what it is, the club hopes more people will gain a newfound interest in Mexican culture.
“Obviously, we want everyone to participate, but not everyone is willing to or is unaware of what a traditional ofrenda is,” Garcia Cancio said. “There are so many things to do to celebrate the holiday, so bringing in a simplified version will allow more of the student population to be involved.”
An ofrenda, like other elements of Día de los Muertos, is intended to honor the lives of those who have passed away. However, the spirit of the holiday is still focused on positivity and celebration.
“One of the beliefs of Día de los Muertos is to not fear death. Death is the cycle of life,” said Alicia Godina, a Carlmont Spanish teacher and the club’s other co-advisor. “Día de los Muertos is a way to mourn in a more celebratory way. It’s to remember a person’s life and a way to deal with the passing of their loved ones.”
The club’s main goal behind hosting all of these events is to generate curiosity and excitement about Día de los Muertos and Mexican culture.
“The club is open to everyone who is interested in participating,” Pissani Medina said. “I am still learning about Día de los Muertos. As long as you have a positive attitude to learn something new from other cultures, everyone can learn about it too.”
