Recently, ARIEL, Drew’s Latinx club, hosted its traditional Día de los Muertos event to honor the Día de los Muertos holiday, which was celebrated the weekend before, on Nov. 1. The event took place in Crawford Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3.
The event consisted of food such as white rice, beef and cheese empanadas, churros and flautas (another form of tacos, with chicken and beans). Along with food, they had a presentation discussing what the holiday was and where it was celebrated, which was followed by a discussion which allowed those who celebrate to discuss their intimate and favorite memories of the holiday as well as an offering to the ofrenda that ARIEL had set up.
An ofrenda is an offering typically held for the holiday to place deceased family members’ photos on, as well as other traditional offerings which range from food and flowers to candles and marigolds. ARIEL’s ofrenda showed similar items, with photos collected through a Google form of people’s deceased loved ones, candles, flowers, painted skulls and marigolds. The marigolds were made by students at the Spanish department open house the week prior.
The event ended with a mariachi band performing songs consisting of traditional Hispanic music and songs that the crowd suggested. Furthermore, the music inspired those at the event to begin dancing. The mariachi event complimented the audience for their participation in the music.
The event hosted 73 people, which was the biggest turnout for the event ARIEL has had. This number was made up of students and faculty members, with the Spanish department chair, Professor Cantero, and the director of the First-Year experience and Spanish professor, Professor Rosales, present as well.
“The event went really well and ran smoothly. It has become a staple event for ARIEL, and it is always a heart warming way to honor and celebrate Día de Los Muertos,” said Stephanie Yanes, Logistics Coordinator for ARIEL. “We aim to make Drew more welcoming to the Latino community, and events like this mean so much, especially in times like these.”
ARIEL looks to host their last event of the semester, Cena Navideña, on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 6-8 p.m. in McLendon Lounge. Cena Navideña honors the holiday hosted in various Latin countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Cuba and Venezuela, among others.
Edgar Guzman is a sophomore majoring in psychology and minoring in Spanish.
