On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the College of Business & Economics hosted Opens House in connection with the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos “Day of the dead "The purpose of the event was to welcome newly admitted students and foster a sense of belonging.
Faculty, staff, advisors, and clubs such as Athlete Department Information, Accounting, Beta Alpha Psi, Google Developer Student Club, and the Hispanic Business Society participated; representatives from our career center and graduate division were also in attendance.
Dia De los Muertos is a two-day holiday, Nov 1st & 2nd, with Nov 2nd honoring the lives of the departed
Families create ofrendas (offerings), these altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of departed, and their favorite foods and drink. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the deceased as their souls hear the prayers, smell their food, and join in the celebrations.
According to the Santa Cruz Museum of Arts & History, Calaveras represent those who have passed and are often found on the altar as a sugar skull. In some indigenous tradition, the skulls of the deceased were preserved to be placed on the altar, with others wearing masks as a closing ceremony sending the spirits backs. With different elements, journeys and cardinals reflected in an assortment of colors.
Betsy Verdugo, Economics, Statistics & Computer Information Systems department coordinator, reflecting “To me Dia de los Muertos is not only a cultural tradition, but it is a day in which we celebrate our departed loved ones. On this day, our loved ones visit us, and we celebrate their death by putting out offerings for them. It is a day of remembrance and celebration.” Further, stating “Dia de los Muertos is my favorite “holiday,” and it is celebrated in my home with my family every year. Every year I put up a traditional altar in my home with pictures of my loved ones, offerings of their favorite foods, drinks, and snacks; flowers such as the cempazuchitl (marigolds) are also placed in the altar along with candles and religious artifacts.”
Christopher Castillo, the administrator assistant in the CBE (College of Business and Economics) (dean's office, reflects on the Dias de Muertos tradition, “my family and I celebrate by becoming increasingly important to remember as I have lost friend and not to take people in my life for granted.” Christopher would like people to walk away with an appreciation for another culture but most importantly to learn to celebrate their lost loved ones’ lives every day, not just on Dias de los Muertos
We look forward to having more events in the coming semesters in the spirit of Dia de los Muertos, to foster a welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty in CBE.