UW-Stevens Point students celebrate Dia de los Muertos

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – Students from the Latino Student Alliance joined forces with the Multicultural Resource Center to honor and celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

This holiday, also known as Day of the Dead, is a Mexican cultural tradition that celebrates life and death.

“In Mexican culture, family is the most important thing. Grief is hard for everyone. It can be sad and it can be hard for people, so let’s just make sure we celebrate the life that person lived on Earth,” said Litzy Gomez, president of the Latino Student Alliance at UW-Stevens Point. “And making sure they are still here with us and that we haven’t forgotten about them.”

The Latino Student Association set up altars with ofrendas (offerings) to honor the memory of your loved ones who have passed away and invite them to join in the celebrations.

“Include offerings of their favorite foods, photos, marigold flowers and just some of their favorite items for them to enjoy when their loved ones come to visit,” Gomez said.

The displays are set in Edna Carlsten Art Gallery at UWSP and will be available to the public until November 7.

On November 1, at the opening reception, everyone could enjoy traditional live mariachi music and traditional food and drinks. People were also invited to bring photos of their loved ones and place them on the altar.

“Giving people the opportunity to learn about the holiday by being able to participate in it,” Gomez said.