Honoring tradition: Día de los Muertos altar brings cultural reflection to William & Mary
Throughout the William & Mary campus, there are new opportunities to participate in reflective, cultural festivities this autumn season.
In collaboration with Hispanic House, or La Casa Hispánica, and the Modern Languages and Literatures (MDLL) department, a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar will be on display in the lobby of Washington Hall from October 25 to November 15.
This cultural celebration was planned by Language House Coordinator Blanca Tyler ‘09 and Professor of Hispanic Studies and Hispanic Language House Advisor Paulina Carrion, to engage the campus body with the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, the practice of honoring the lives of passed loved ones, on November 1-2. This initiative was extended to include the rest of the MDLL department, introducing a cross-cultural element.
Each of the eight programs within MDLL contributed two notable figures to be featured in the altar. Specifically, “People who fought for democracy or for the arts or for political freedom,” said Carrion. The interactive nature of the altar allows guests to scan QR codes that will provide them with more information on each “soul” and their home country.
The visual elements displayed on the altar were designed and painted by Maria Emilia Borja ‘11, with the help of students living in the Language Houses. La Casa Hispánica students also researched the included notable figures and their cultural contributions.
During the opening unveiling of the altar, guests were invited to write a note to a loved one and place it on the display. Guests have continued to add to the display every day since the unveiling, The altar acts as a living exhibit as students continue to engage with it to reconnect with their loved ones. This aspect of reflection is an integral part of the Día de los Muertos celebration, along with celebrating family and the importance of tradition.
Carrion noted the impact the display has already had on Latin American students on campus. “Yesterday, the Latin American Student Union was meeting in the room next to where the altar is, and it was super emotional to see students going out and looking at something that they can relate to...some part of their culture,” said Carrion.
Both Carrion and Tyler hope for the altar to become an annual display. They are also interested in representing cultural traditions from other countries in the future.
“I think having this representation of this group, of this community, that lives and studies here at William & Mary is super important,” Carrion said.
