by John F. Kaiser III – Navarro County Gazette
Over the last several weeks, department chair and art professor, Laura Briseno has been working hard with others around Navarro College and beyond to put together what she hopes is the first of an ongoing tradition at Navarro College – a Dia de los Muertos celebration. The Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20 on the Corsicana Campus in front of the Richard Sanchez Library.
There will be live music from the Rice High School Mariachi Band, food, art, games and a Dia de los Muertos themed Costume Contest.
When asked what the Navarro students were contributing to the celebration Briseno responded “Students are creating retablos, which are works of art that tell a story, and in this case the story of their selected Latin Artist. Along with that, they are creating portraits representing their artist. And as part of the Mexican American Fine Arts Class, they are connecting their personal family histories into the retablos and creating the traditional paper flowers.“
Briseno went on to say “Ofrendas are an essential part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called altares or altars, but they are not for worship. Day of the Dead altars are made as a way of remembering and honoring deceased friends and family. The altars help guide the spirits back to the land of the living on the Noche de Muertos on the night of November 2. The students will have the alter up in the Sanchez Library from Oct 20 – Nov 2.“
About The Day of the Dead
Originating in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos, is often associated with the Catholic observance of All Saints’ Day/All Souls’ Day, but Dia de los Muertos is more a joyous celebration than dark and solemn occasion. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed. The Day of the Dead was most widely popularized by the hit 2017 Pixar film Coco which was inspired by Dia de los Muertos.
Do not miss this cultural event at the Navarro College Corsicana Campus on Wednesday, October 20 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm! They urge you to bring the whole family to enjoy the live music, food, games and more. Be sure to dress up for the contest!
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