By Britni Schneider/reporter
Dia de los Muertos, a holiday celebrated by Spanish cultures, also will be recognized by TCC this year.
The celebration traditionally begins on Halloween but will be held Thursday and Friday in the world language lab on SE Campus (ESEE 1120). Many traditional refreshments will be served, such as Dia de los Muertos bread and pan dulce. Admission is free and everyone is welcomed.
Translated, Dia de los Muertos means day of the dead, but despite the name, it is not a frightful holiday, Pedro Martinez, world language lab instructional aide, said.
“ It is just a presentation of how other cultures celebrate the day of the dead,” he said.
It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit their families on Oct. 31 and leave on Nov. 2.
“ It is a way of remembering the people who are no longer with us,” he said.
As part of the celebration, the Mexicans react to death with mourning and with joy and happiness.
The families decorate calaveras, or skulls, with bright colors and inscribe on them the name of the departed.
“ The most important tradition is the making of the altar with pictures of those who are no longer with us and going to the church and cemetery,” Martinez said.
The altar exhibition will end Friday. Mercedes Olivera from The Dallas Morning News will be a guest speaker at the celebration on Thursday. She will talk about the traditions of the celebration and their meanings to her.
The Dia de los Muertos celebration is a fun way to experience and learn about other cultures, Martinez said.
“ People can obtain many benefits from attending the celebration and see how other countries celebrate what is here Halloween,” he said.
