For many Mexican families, remembering loved ones who have passed on is a time to honor them while demonstrating just how much they are loved and missed. Día de los Muertos—Day of the Dead—is not a somber event, rather it is celebrated Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 with music, flowers, mementos and plenty of food. It is seen as the one time in the year that the beloved’s spirit can return to earth to spend time with those left behind.

Montco’s Spanish professors organized a Día de los Muertos celebration in Parkhouse Hall as a way to share Mexican culture with the campus community. The event included food, candy, masks, music and information.

“We’re grateful for everyone who put so much time and effort into organizing and supporting this first-time Día de los Muertos, including Georgina Elórtegui, Luz Elena Gamauf, Rose Makofske, director of equity, diversity and inclusion, Tyler Steffy, director of Student Life, and Dr. Jenna Klaus, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, and our students. It was a great success,” said Therol Dix, interim dean of Arts and Humanities.

Luz Elena Gamauf, assistant professor of Spanish, created a colorful and informative slideshow of scenes from Latin American countries that played on the giant display screen.

Georgina Elórtegui, assistant professor of Spanish, built an altar to honor her parents, similar to one many Mexicans have in their homes to celebrate Día de los Muertos. A photograph of the town in which they lived—Central Morón in Cuba—was surrounded by representations of things that meant a lot to them in life.

For her father, there was a cigar and small books to signify his love of a good cigar and a good book. For her mother, she had a small bottle of her perfume and a favorite fan. She also included a package of fine Cuban coffee and dominos, items they both enjoyed.

“It is a way to honor the dead and bring them back for one more day,” she explained.

Several students agreed to help with the day’s activities. Isabella Santangelo, a communications major, dressed as La Llorona, a legendary figure in Mexican culture who makes an appearance on this day.

Tanisha Martínez, who is majoring in Liberal Arts, made up her face as La Catrina, an iconic figure of a female skeleton displayed during Día de los Muertos. As a first-generation American of Mexican descent, she understands fully the value of remembering dead loved ones with music and good food. Martínez and her family traditionally bake pan de muerto and share it during the three-day festival.

“The special, sweet bread is adorned with extra dough shaped like bones and baked, then placed on the altar to share with our relatives,” she explained. “We celebrate to honor and remember them … to show them they won’t be forgotten.”

Professor Gamauf also dressed as La Catrina who was first created as a cartoon in the early 1900s and rose in popularity thanks to the artist Diego Rivera, the husband of Frida Kahlo. Today, she is seen as a representation of the Mexican willingness to treat death with familiarity and hospitality instead of dread.