Purdue's Latino Cultural Center to celebrate 'Día de los Muertos'
October 22, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University's Latino Cultural Center will celebrate "Día de los Muertos" from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 30 in Black & Gold Gym, Courts 1-3, at the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center.
Often misconceived as a celebration of death, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life. 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. 1-2. It coincides with Roman Catholic and other Christian denominations' holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
The 12th annual event will feature traditional and contemporary ofrendas, or altar displays, made to celebrate and honor the lives of lost loved ones. The altars are decorated with departed loved ones' prized possessions, said Marisol Uribe, LCC program coordinator.
She said the LCC encourages the creation of contemporary altars, with a focus on current issues, by using interactive, audio or visual representations dedicated to loved ones or causes such as breast cancer or diabetes. Anyone interested in creating an altar for the celebration can contact the LCC at muribe@purdue.edu.
There also will be music and arts and craft stations, where participants can decorate sugar skulls and paper masks. Traditional food, including "pan de muerto" (dead bread), also will be available.
The event, sponsored by the LCC and the Purdue Student Union Board, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Latino Cultural Center at 765-494-2530.
The Latino Cultural Center was established in 2003 as Purdue's first center for Hispanic and Latino cultures. 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
Sources: Aurelio Curbelo, LCC director, 765-494-2530, acurbelo@purdue.edu
Marisol Uribe, 765-494-2530, muribe@purdue.edu
