Members of the Cal State San Marcos community will be honoring the dead and exploring Mexican culture during the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005, on Palm Court (located between Academic Hall and University Hall).
Students, staff and faculty have been invited to create altars, or ofrendas, for a loved one who has died. In the past, altars have been created for individual family members, friends and pets and in honor of larger events or issues, such as 9/11 and world hunger. Altars can include a variety of items, including photos, candles or samples of the deceased’s favorite foods. Members of the public are invited to bring photographs, candles and mementos to include on an open altar.
The historic roots of Día de los Muertos date back more than 3,000 years to the pre-Columbian cultures of Meso-America. It was customary to bury the dead surrounded by their most precious and valuable belongings, along with food and provisions useful in their journey into the Mictlan, the afterlife.
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos traditionally takes place Nov. 1 and 2. On these days, altars and offerings are dedicated to the memory of deceased loved ones. The purpose is to welcome back the ánimas or souls to their homes or cemeteries. Favorite culinary dishes and the most treasured items of the deceased are placed at the altar for the souls to enjoy during their return visit.
The first Day of the Dead celebration at Cal State San Marcos took place in 1995. This year’s event has been organized by the Associated Students, Inc., Programming Board and world languages professor Carlos von Son.
Cal State San Marcos is located at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road. Public parking is available in all student lots for an hourly fee ranging from $2 to $6. Directions and parking information are available at www.csusm.edu.
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