“The most important part of day of the dead is honoring their spirits,” Dr. Castillo, Assistant Professor of the Department of Education,said. The Day of the Dead is a tradition that is celebrated in all parts of Mexico and spreading across the United States.
“Dia De los Muertos,” or the English translation Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico’s largest holiday celebrations. Dia De los Muertos events will be held at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) on Oct. 26,29, 30, and Nov. 1.
Schools within the area and the surrounding community are welcomed to view the ofrendas Oct.29-Nov.1. Interactive activities, such as creating paper masks, will be available for children who visit the exhibit.
The museum will have approximately 75 “ofrendas,” or shrines, celebrating the life of deceased loved ones. The tradition of Dia De los Muertos is to artistically create ofrendas for the deceased. The ofrendas are typically in public places, such as gravesites. This holiday is about remembering loving memories of friends and family who have passed away.
“Marigolds is the flower of the dead and candles represent the light that guides the souls to us that signify that we are here to receive them,” Dr. Castillo said.
These customary symbolic items are found displayed on both traditional and modern ofrendas. Many ofrendas display unique items used to commemorate the deceased person. Typically these items consist of favorite drinks, t-shirts, pictures, possessions, and written explanations describing the altar.
The ofrendas on display throughout PPHM are not only in remembrance of immediate family who has passed away. Multiple ofrendas celebrated historical figures such as Dr. Suess or Walt Disney.
“I really liked the baby altar because it had pictures of the children and it is beautiful,” Evangelina Mona Medina, Freshmen at Tascosa High School, said.
Some ofrendas were dedicated to the memories of victims in recent school shootings. A few altars were dedicated to honoring military personnel who have died in war.
“People who created the altars put out food for spirits,” Cinthia Mendoza, freshmen Elementary Education Major, said. “This is something different that most of us are not used to.”
The tradition began with 25 altars scattered along the fourth floor of Old Main at WT. But over the years participation within the community and WT organizations has increased.
“This week we celebrate the fourth annual Day of the Dead celebration here at WT with about 75 altars on display in the museum,” Dr. Castillo, said.
“This is pretty neat, it opens our heart a bit. People remember past accidents and I’m happy that someone honors those who are not with us anymore,” freshmen, history major, Ceasar Rodriguez said.
The Gala Fiesta was kicked off by a reception that was held on Nov.1 from 5-7pm in the Derrick Hall of PPHM. Beverages, tortilla chips, and dips were provided for guests to enjoy while viewing the ofrenda displays. Mariachi Carino provided authentic live music that echoed through the halls of the museum. The music set an atmosphere of celebration, as some guests decided to do a little dancing.
“Their [Mariachi Carino] voices are wonderful!” Betty Conway, third grade teacher at Aikmen Elementary, said. “ This is all wonderful. It all celebrates family, culture, and unity!”
A silent auction was held during the reception. Items for auction were pieces of artwork created by WT students and faculty. A judging of the ofrendas took place, with awards going the winners of each category: Most Traditional Altar, Most Creative Altar, and Community Champion. All funds raised from the entire event benefit scholarships for students in Fine Arts and Social Sciences.
At 6:45 p.m. shuttle buses started to arrive at the doors of the PPHM. Guests were shuttled to JBK Legacy Hall for the Gala Dinner at 7 p.m. The hall was filled with chatter from people sitting at reserved tables that all sported bottles, Jarritos, Mexican flag sugar cookies, and traditional sweet rolls called “Pan De Muertos,” or Bread of the Dead.
Five local Amarillo Mexican restaurants catered food for the event at no charge.
“They [the restaurants] did not charge us, so that we could raise more money for the scholarships,” Dr. Eddie Henderson, Dean of Education and Social Sciences, said at the event.
Grammy nominated artist, Mickey Cruz, performed live music at the Gala Dinner. Guests, of all varying dancing skill, got on the dance floor to dance to the music of the Mickey Cruz Band. Some guests however, decided to reserve dancing for another time, and moved around the hall visiting with other guests.
The night ended with Dr. Henderson reciting a traditional prayer of Dia de los Muertos. He then said “I hope you come next year, to the Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos!”
