(Courtesy/ Dr. Jacky)

CASA, our Hispanic and Latino cultural affinity group hosted an ofrenda (an offering) display outside of Morris Hall in honor of Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, a Mexican and Latin American celebration dedicated to honoring those who family member who have passed away and whose spirits return to visit their kindred, who welcome them with altars called ofrendas, decorated with marigolds, photos of loved ones, candles, and personal items.

CASA designed its ofrenda to be a community event and encouraged everyone to contribute photos or items to honor their loved ones. Our small ofrenda ended up being filled to the brim with pictures of relatives and drawings of certain objects or people to remember. 

CASA leaders, Tegan M. and Rey P. proposed the ofrenda to the club’s advisor, Dr. Alex Jacky, who said, “They like to think big when it comes to CASA. The minute they thought of the idea of doing the altar, I thought it was great.”

Jacky also said that Día de los Muertos is a “syncretic celebration where you combine an indigenous event with another, more established religion,” emphasizing the importance of celebrating the holiday and educating others about it to promote cultural understanding and diversity. “I think it’s really good to expose people to community events here,” he said. 

Looking ahead, Jacky says, “I’m hoping we will be able to do it again next year and that we can be bigger.”

By continuing this tradition, Academy can ensure that community celebrations like the ofrenda will continue for years to come.