M.E.Ch.A. hosts Dia de los Muertos celebration

Paper-machés, sugar skulls, altars, and many other decorations brightened the Student Union on Tuesday as M.E.Ch.A., formerly known as the Latino Club, hosted its annual Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration.

The commemoration lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and drew nearly 100 Mt. Hood students and staff.

Anyone was welcome to paint sugar skulls or to buy pre-decorated ones. Face painting was made available, as well as servings of the traditional bread, Pan de Muerto, and Mexican hot chocolate.

Dia de los Muertos is a combination of indigenous and Catholic traditions in Mexico –  a celebration to honor individuals who have passed away. Photos of renowned people including: Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Cesar Chavez and Mexican revolutionists were placed on the altars.

The traditional belief is that on this day (officially Nov. 1), the dead come back to enjoy the company of their loved ones. Their families leave food, gifts and things that these people enjoyed during their time on earth.

“There’s a lot of humor that goes along with it. You’ll see skeletons dancing and other fun things like that,” said Erika Peck, member of M.E.Ch.A.

The Day of the Dead is a time to celebrate the dead and is a time of hope, more so than sorrow.

“It, (traditional belief) means that the spirits come to our houses… [Things like] hot chocolate makes their spirit warm,” said Peck. She also mentioned that candles help light the path for the dead to return to their families.

The decorations such as the bread and sugar skulls are all used to remind people of death and the afterlife to which we all make the journey towards.

“The natives started the celebration so people would not be afraid to die,” said Omar Morante, M.E.Ch.A. club president.

One of the important aspects of the celebration is face painting, which has long been a part of the M.E.Ch.A. tradition. Prisma Flores, another member of the club, has been face painting for the Day of the Dead celebration since she joined four years ago.

“I started (painting) sugar skulls, and then I fell in love with it. It seems to be one of the arts that people are drawn to the most,” said Flores. Face painting enables people to become a decoration themselves, making an even greater connection. Flores said she studied up on her craft, researching more designs to become better at the craft.

Advocate Staff