Students celebrate Dia de los Muertos away from home

Students set up altars with various offerings, or “ofrendas,” to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, which honors family members and loved ones who have died. Photos by Melissa Zhuang

The Attallah Piazza was decorated with bright tablecloths, candles and snacks ranging from sugar skulls to Cheetos. A mariachi band, dressed in traditional garb, played music as students gathered to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Anna Vargas, a sophomore screenwriting major, wouldn’t have celebrated the holiday without the event Chapman held on Thursday, Noche de Altares, which was held by MEChA de Chapman in collaboration with the Latinx Staff and Faculty Forum and Chapman’s Latinx and Latin American Studies Department.

In the past, her parents occasionally lit a candle to celebrate the holiday, she said, but this year she participated by creating an altar in the Piazza.

“I think bringing in different cultures and having events that help people understand other people is good exposure,” said Vargas, “It’s also important in my culture.”

More than 175 million Americans celebrated Halloween this year, however, Dia de los Muertos has gained popularity in the U.S., according to a study conducted by the National Retail Federation.

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that originated as a way to honor family members and people in the community who have died. Many people paint their faces to resemble skulls, and dress up in bright colors. At its core, the holiday is a celebration.

Gabriel Zavala, who is in charge of Rhythmo Mariachi Academy in Anaheim, which self-describes as “A mariachi program for boys and girls of all ages and nationalities,” performed at Chapman’s Dia de los Muertos event Nov. 1.

“The Latino community is increasing, and we bring with us certain customs that we share,” Zavala said.

“(Dia de los Muertos) is a way of sharing our beliefs and our traditions, and we can celebrate it as not something weird, but something that belongs.”

Day of the Dead is traditionally celebrated in Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2, which are All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in Mexico, according to NPR. Those who celebrate make “ofrendas,” or offerings, to the spirits of family members who have died and leave them at their graves or on makeshift altars at home.

Zavala has lived in Orange County for 53 years, and has celebrated Dia de los Muertos every year since he was born, he said. Though he used to celebrate in a small ranch town in Guanajuato, Mexico, he maintains his traditions wherever he goes.

“People get together with all the families, go to the cemetery and decorate the tomb of the deceased,” Zavala said. “They sing songs, eat food and place a picture of the departed one with flowers and everything. They also set up dishes they liked, hoping they will like it still. It’s symbolic. It builds family.”