Hispanic Student Union celebrates Dia De Muertos early for Hispanic Heritage Month
Dia De Muertos
SIUE’s Hispanic Student Union holds an interactive event to celebrate Dia De Muertos.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Although Day of the Dead is traditionally held in November, students feel it is an impactful way to conclude Hispanic Heritage month.
Celebration
“Dia De Muertos, for me, is more of a collaboration to meet with other people that are mourning others,” Treasurer Olga Chavez Reyes said. “In our culture we celebrate rather than being depressed … we know that they are in a better place now.”
Remembrance
Students are encouraged to share the names of their deceased loved ones.
Chancellor James T. Minor
Chancellor James T. Minor poses with the Hispanic Student Union.
Hispanic Attire
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Eileen Wolfington helps Minor into Hispanic attire for the dance.
Dia De Muertos
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“When I started studying the history of Dia De Muertos, I learned to replace my tears with joy,” Wolfington said. “I study end of life to bring joy to others .. to hold witness and let them feel what they need to feel .. to allow emotions to flow through them rather than suppressing them.”
Preservation
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“My dad passed away in April of 2020. I didn’t think I would laugh or dance again,” Wolfington said. “I dance to preserve his and my mothers memory.”
Dance
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Minor dances with Wolfington and SIUE students.
Performance
Dancing participants end their performance with a bow.
Themed Makeup
The event offered themed face painting to SIUE students.
Face Painting
Freshman Mackenzie Carter getting her face painted by Yvonne Anguiano.
Backdrop
A backdrop with photo booth props are offered for photo opportunities.
Photo Booth Props
SIUE students Celi Aragon and Monse Delgado use the photo booth props.
Vending Table
Haniny Hillberg sells a variety of goods at her vending table.
Exchange
Students line up to purchase items such as jewelry and handbags.
El Chico Bakery
Ana Rivera from El Chico Bakery sells Pan De Muerto and Conchas.
Circle of Life
“The round shape usually represents the circle of life and the red and white sugar represent life and death,” Rivera said. “The topping is meant to look like a cross.”
Vision
“My father opened the bakery twenty-four years ago,” Rivera said. “He had no business experience or elementary education, but saw the potential on Cherokee street.”
Tacos
Berta Roca and Elvira Lopez sell authentic Mexican tacos.
Customization
Participants of the event add various toppings to their tacos.
Inti-Llajta Andean Music
Inti-Llajta Andean Music plays Hispanic music at the event.
Times of Sorrow
“Music is my life,” guitarist Rebecca Alvarado said. “If I didn’t have music, I would have nothing to do in times of sorrow.”
Family
Duran danced to the music with her son.
Wrapping Up
The event ends with a performance by Duran and Inti-Llajta Andean Music.
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