October 22, 2009

Purdue's Latino Cultural Center to celebrate 'Día de los Muertos'

The holiday, which has its roots in the Aztec and indigenous cultures of Mexico, is celebrated in Mexico and in Latino communities across North America on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, coinciding with the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

"On Día de los Muertos, people remember and honor their deceased loved ones by preparing altars for them and decorating the altars with food and valued possessions of the departed," said Maricela Alvarado, director of the Latino Cultural Center. "It's not, however, a Mexican Halloween, as some people might think it is. The focus here is more on the celebration of the lives of one's departed loved ones than on their death."

At the event, approximately 15 altars will be on display, created by numerous groups including the Indiana Latino Institute, Latino Center of Tippecanoe County, Ivy Tech Spanish department, and other Purdue departments and student organizations, Alvarado said.

"This event is a modernized version of the more traditional celebration," Alvarado said. "Consequently, some of the altar decorations will creatively address contemporary issues like tobacco cessation and cancer awareness."

There also will be a precolonial dance demonstration by a Mexican dance troupe. Free food and refreshments will be served.

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 to https://www.purdue.edu/lcc

Writer: Soumitro Sen, 765-496-9711, ssen@purdue.edu

Source: Maricela Alvarado, 765-494-2530, alvaradm@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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