Dia de los Muertos Celebration Draws Hundreds to Kauffman

Wednesday, November 9, 2016 Dia de los Muertos Celebration Draws Hundreds to Kauffman

Dia de los Muertos celebration at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Although Dia de los Muertos occurs on the first and second of November, hundreds of students, faculty and staff, and members of the community gathered in Kauffman Hall to celebrate on Nov. 4.

The Mexican American Student Association (MASA) and Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. planned the event that included food, crafts, music and more. In addition, the Mexican Dance Academy of Nebraska performed traditional dances and showcased a play related to the holiday and the importance of remembrance.

“The best thing about Dia de los Muertos is bringing people and families together,” said Vice President of MASA Joseline Reyna. “This is a time when people are remembering certain family members and are coming together.”

Community and university organizations created altars to honor those who had passed. Some altars honored loved ones, but others honored historical figures, victims of the nightclub shooting in Orlando, victims of police brutality and people who suffered from eating disorders.

Senior Reina Sebastian, a member of Lambda Theta Nu, saw the celebration as a way to educate people who do not know the background of the holiday.

“I hope that people who attend gain cultural awareness. We want to disprove the idea that Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican Halloween," said Sebastian.

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