Drumming, dancing, and festive energy filled Upper Quad for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), one of the most significant holidays celebrated in Latin America and among Latinx communities in the U.S.
Students lined up to have their face painted in the traditional catrina and catrín design, enjoyed traditional food, played games, and watched Aztec dancers during the celebration on Tuesday, November 5. The dancers performed wearing traditional native regalia, including large colorful feathers and chachayotes—ankle rattles that make noise when dancing.
The event also included altars in honor of deceased loves ones. Decorations around the quad included colorful candles, paper flowers, and skulls that campus community members crafted the evening before at a workshop presented by MECha.
The Día de los Muertos celebration was sponsored by MECha, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Garrett House, Hartley House, First Generation & Allies, United Indigenous Peoples and Nations, Rotary Club of Whittier, Mimo's Cafe, and Associated Students of Whittier College.
