Fullerton College Celebrates Día De Los Muertos Oct. 24
Vibrant altar displays and lively cultural performances will headline Fullerton College’s 26th annual Día de los Muertos event on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. The popular free event will feature more than 50 ofrendas, dance performances, local artists, music, food, and is expected to draw more than 1,000 people to campus for one of the most celebrated events in Hispanic and Latinx culture.
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated Nov. 1 – 2, which remembers the dead by honoring them with colorful ofrendas or “offerings” to celebrate the life they once lived. The campus quad will feature many of the ofrendas made by students and the Fullerton College community. Ofrendas are traditionally made by handcrafting altars and embellishing them with the departed’s photos, favorite food, flowers and other mementos that represent them. Altars may also bring awareness to social issues that relate to today’s social and political climate or directly to the lives that were lost.
“We’ve always had such great participation at Día de los Muertos,” said event coordinator and Ethnic Studies Chair Amber Rose González. “Fullerton College students, faculty, and staff have been planning their ofrendas for several weeks now, and it’s what I love most about this event – it brings our community together.”
The event will also feature a community ofrenda where anyone can add a framed photo or memento of their loved one. Community partners and student organizations participating include MEChA, FC Street Scholars, Queer People of Color, FC United, Puente Club, Umoja, and Trendsetters Fashion Club. “Trendsetters will be painting faces in sugar skull style – always a crowd favorite,” said González.
Additionally, dance and musical performances will include Hip Hop performers, a Folkloric dance group, a DJ, and plenty of food surrounding the ofrendas.
The celebration is open to all students and their families, as well as community members. Parking is free in the student parking lots. For more information, contact Dr. Amber Rose González at AGonzalez@fullcoll.edu or follow the Facebook event page
