By: Jacob Brown, Editor-in-Chief
The sound of mariachi music filled Fugate Gymnasium on Wednesday evening as families gathered around tables of traditional Mexican food and children ran between booths during Newman University’s Day of the Dead celebration.
Organized by the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, the event welcomed students, faculty, staff and members of the Wichita community to experience and learn about the traditions behind Día de los Muertos, a holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who have died.
Senior Grecia Nunez, HALO president, said one of the organization’s main goals was to introduce more people to Hispanic culture and traditions that may be unfamiliar to them.
She said the event was designed to reach beyond the Hispanic community and bring people together through cultural experiences.
For Nunez, the holiday carries a personal meaning. She explained that families celebrate by remembering loved ones, including family members and even pets who made a meaningful impact on their lives.
One common tradition is creating an altar at home and placing ofrendas, or offerings, on it. These offerings can include photographs and a loved one’s favorite foods.
Candles are also lit to help guide the spirits of the deceased back to their families. Día de los Muertos is traditionally observed on Nov. 1 and 2, with Nov. 2 commonly associated with honoring deceased adults.
Wednesday’s celebration offered visitors several ways to experience the culture firsthand. Booths featured handmade jewelry, crochet items, Mexican artisan goods and face painting. Attendees could also get free haircuts at the event..
Food was another major attraction. Visitors enjoyed plates of rice, green spaghetti, fruit and discada, a dish made with ingredients such as sausage, tomatoes, onions, bacon, chorizo and potatoes.
The aroma of freshly prepared food drifted through the gym as guests gathered around tables, sharing meals and conversations. The combination of music, colorful displays and the steady movement of families gave the celebration an energetic atmosphere.
Traditional Mexican folklórico dancers also appeared, wearing vibrant, flowing dresses adorned with flowers. As the dancers moved, their skirts spread outward, creating a flower-like appearance.
For some attendees, the event provided an opportunity to experience something new.
First-year student Isaac Berndt, who attended the celebration for the first time, said he was surprised by the event’s size and the number of booths available to explore.
Berndt said he had some previous exposure to Hispanic culture but described the celebration as a new experience. He had already visited several booths and was considering what else to explore before leaving to have supper with his mother.
For HALO, the celebration served as more than an opportunity to gather. It was a chance to share the meaning behind Día de los Muertos with a broader audience and create a space where people from different backgrounds could learn from one another.
Nunez said HALO considers the celebration one of its biggest events.
“We were expecting 150 guests, I think we surpassed that tonight.”
PHOTO: AJ Bonilla
