By Felix Hernandez, Staff Writer for ENMU The Chase | October 29, 2018
For many, El Dia de Los Muertos is a special holiday that they celebrate because they are honoring their loved ones.
The Day of the Dead in English, it is a Mexican celebration honoring deceased loved ones, which is celebrated Oct. 31–Nov. 2.
Even though the celebration is not popular in America, in Mexico, this three-day celebration, dating back more than 3,000 year, brings so much lively action down the streets of neighborhoods.
This is the time that the dead can cross from the sprit world. People light candles and leave food or things that their loved ones enjoyed as a way to honor them.
“I remember growing up, my family wouldn’t celebrate the holiday, but my grandparents would. I can also remember they would set up the alter and light candles and leave snacks there,” said Eastern New Mexico University student Carlos Garcia.
Although this is a big celebration for many, they don’t celebrate as much as they would like to. This is the same for the schools.
“Back in the early years of school, they would have us make Calaveras, but after a while, we didn’t’. It isn’t as big as it once was where I grew up,” said Eluid Valdes, an ENMU international student from Mexico.
But it is still a huge and important holiday for many people. They get their families all together and remember all the memories they had with their deceased loved ones.
“We gather and make food. We paint our faces and eat Calaveras,” said student Vanessa Garfias.
