This post is authored by Falcon History Society President, Allessandro Martinez Leon.
As the last of the Halloween candy is running out and the scares are wearing off, a new celebration comes out to take the stage. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is one of the most popular Mexican traditions, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, these are days of remembrance for those family members or friends that we have lost.
Originated in a mixture between ancient Mesoamerican customs and the Catholic feast of All Saints Day brought by the Spanish, Day of the Dead held an important role in the lives of Mexican families. This time of year has traditionally been set aside for mourning, while also celebrating the lives of their deceased loved ones.
Following the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century, the new government sought to establish a national identity, and Day of the Dead became a tradition chosen to be symbols of the new Mexican society. A set of rules were established to give uniformity to the holiday, which was what the Falcon History Society followed to build our altar.
The altar is built in layers, where one puts their loved one’s pictures and/or objects that were meaningful to the lost loved ones. The altar is then decorated by crepe paper and sugar skulls. We used sugar skull recreations made of ceramic, and hung marigold flowers around Williams Hall. These flowers are significant because they become a trail so that the dead know where to go. Finally, food is added so the dead can eat. Families would usually put their loved one’s favorite dishes or alcohol, but most famously there will also be Pan de Muerto, a type of sweet bread sprinkled with sugar.
Falcon History Society members (and History Department Chair, Dr. Amílcar Challú) had fun building this altar together. It was full of sweet moments for us to remember those we lost, but we know will always be in our hearts.
