Purdue's Latino Cultural Center to celebrate 'Dia de los Muertos'
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's Latino Cultural Center will celebrate ''Día de los Muertos, '' or Day of the Dead, with music, crafts and food from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 29 at the YWCA in Lafayette.
The holiday has its roots in the Aztec and indigenous cultures of Mexico and is celebrated there and in Latino communities across North America on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. It coincides with the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
''Día de los Muertos is a way to remember and honor those who have departed by preparing altars for them, decorated with special foods and their prized possessions,'' said Maricela Alvarado, director of the Latino Cultural Center. ''It emphasizes celebrating the lives of the deceased loved ones, rather than their deaths.''
At the eighth annual event, approximately 15 altars will be on display, created by numerous groups including the Hanna Community Center of Lafayette, the Ivy Tech Spanish Department and other Purdue departments and student organizations, Alvarado said.
There also will be traditional food, including pan de muerto (dead bread), arts and craft stations where participants can decorate sugar skulls and paper masks and music.
The event is free and open to the public. YWCA of Greater Lafayette is located at 605 N. Sixth St.
For more information, contact the Latino Cultural Center at 765-494-2530 or go online to https://www.purdue.edu/lcc
The Latino Cultural Center was established in 2003 as Purdue's first center for Hispanic and Latino culture. The organization is a gathering place where people of similar cultures and backgrounds can come together to share events in the university community.
Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu
Source: Maricela Alvarado, 765-494-2530, alvaradm@purdue.edu