By Laura Archer, Staff Writer
Drewids flocked to Crawford Hall in record numbers on Wednesday night in expectation of Día de Los Muertos event put on by ARIEL, the Latinx Student Club, and !BOAS, the anthropology club. On All Saints Day, the two clubs held the annual event that celebrates the lives of those who have passed on. Over 100 hungry and excited students came to the the EC to celebrate the holiday and eat authentic Mexican food.
An opening presentation gave the cultural and historical importance of Día de Los Muertos. ARIEL provided the cultural aspect, explaining how the holiday is celebrated in Mexico and showing an animated short. !BOAS delivered on the anthropological side, explaining the Aztec origins of the holiday as well as explaining similar holidays celebrated by other cultures around the world. This collaboration made for a holistic understanding of the holiday.
The atmosphere was very festive and fun; the room was decorated with streamers and sugar skulls. At the front of the hall was a small ofrenda, or altar, remembering those who had passed on with candles, figurines and pan dulce. In addition, mariachi, salsa and bachata music played throughout the event setting the mood and even inspiring some people to dance.
In total, 110 people attended the event, the best turnout the event has ever had. Everyone from Drew students to professors to family members crowded around the brightly decorated tables to share a delicious meal. The clubs served traditional food from The Aguila Dorada, a Mexican restaurant in Bayonne. Flautas, arroz y frijoles and quesadillas all went quickly, a testament not only to the attendance but to the deliciousness of the food.
Emmanuel Lopez (’19), Co-Chair of ARIEL, said, “We’re beyond happy with seeing so many different people at our events and seeing them leave happy and educated.” It was obvious that the executive boards of both clubs worked hard to make the event a success, which it undoubtedly was.
Be sure not to miss out on ARIEL’s next events. Coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 14 is another Cafe con Leche, a series of events where they cover different topics relating to the Latinx experience in the United States. After that, they will be hosting Cena Navideña, another annual tradition that will no doubt feature delicious food, great music and more cultural education.
