El Centro de la Raza (El Centro) is creating a space for Lobos to remember and honor those who are no longer with us. Last week it held its annual Celebración del Día de los Muertos, along with other activities.

The resource center began its celebration with sugar skull decorating on Oct. 26 and continued with the art of Papel Picado on Oct. 27. On the last day of its week of celebration, community members were given the chance to attend ‘Mihcaihuitl: What is Día de los Muertos?’ a discussion of the origin, history, and importance of Day of the Dead.

Jorge Garcia and Yesenia Ruiz from El Centro explained why this is still a culturally relevant practice today.

"The day of the dead is an important day not only because it represents a remembrance of our loved ones, but also because it keeps us connected to our own indigeneity and traditional ways of celebrating those who have passed over,” they said. “The day of the dead is important in our culture because it defies the notion that death is a fatal end to our lives, and through our customs and traditions, the spirit of our loved ones live with us through this celebration of life and death."

During the Zoom workshop, the Day of the Dead was described as a day of celebration, remembrance, defiance, and invitation. Guest speaker and Senior Program Manager for El Centro, Jorge Garcia, explained the opportunity behind being able to think of dying beyond it as the end to our lives.

Garcia also talked about Mictlan, a place of resting, the Children of the Sun, and the use of Cosmovision to the society of those who celebrated the Day of the Dead.

In its beginning Día de los Muertos was celebrated to honor more than just the dead. It was practiced as a norm of honor the times that they were living in.

At El Centro’s final celebration later in the day, community members were able to honor those who have passed through tradition, music, and more.

"What made our entire Día de los Muertos Festivities successful was the fact that a lot of students and community came together to celebrate this long-lived tradition,” said Garcia and Ruiz. “From special guest speakers, Danzantes, singers, and spiritual leaders who shared and guided our students and community on the beauty of this meaningful celebration. Lastly despite the difficulties that our population endures, we still continue to celebrate and bring our customs and culture into any space with love and humility."

El Centro also set up a Dia de los Muertos alter in its UNM Main Campus office in Mesa Vista Hall.