by Aubrey Montoya
Daily Lobo
Student Isaac Casas grew up celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with his family.
"We all went to the cemetery on that day and would feast there with loved ones," he said. "We put a little altar there for them."
Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration to remember the lives of loved ones who have passed away, Casas said.
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"It gives us one day to reflect on the good memories we have of the ones we lost," he said.
Casas, a student coordinator at El Centro de La Raza, organized the celebration for Day of the Dead this year - building a larger altar than in the past nine years or so, he said. This time, he also got to add his personal touch.
"Every year it's decorated different, and this year I got to decorate," he said.
The altar was built Friday and blessed with traditional prayers and the lighting of candles, said fellow Student Coordinator Vanessa Chavez.
She said people who visit the altar can write a message to a deceased loved one and leave it for them. Bread is also placed on the altar.
"The bread symbolizes nourishment for the spirit," Chavez said.
Sean Bruna, graduate assistant at El Centro, said he left a card for his grandparents and great-grandparents. He told them they inspired him with their strength and hard work.
"I also asked them to give me the strength to do good work both in school and later on in my academic research," he said.
The altar will be in Mesa Vista Hall until Thursday, Chavez said.
Kindergarten students and third-graders from Monte Vista Elementary School visited the altar to learn more about the traditional Mexican holiday.
Several children scrambled to catch a closer look at the candles, pictures and candied skulls which were scattered around the altar Tuesday.
Teacher Lisa Troxel said visiting the altar is a good cultural experience for the children.
"The kids are really interested in its meaning," she said.
The children have been studying Day of the Dead in their classes, Troxel said. They have their own small altar and have made sugar skulls, she said.
"They were really excited, and they get really into it," she said. "Our whole school has really made an effort."
Professor Judith Kitzes said Day of the Dead presents a much healthier and comfortable view of death.
"You don't always have to think about death with horror or fear," Kitzes said.
Day of the Dead has many of its traditions rooted in Aztec beliefs.
The Aztecs believed the souls of their loved ones would return to Earth as hummingbirds and butterflies. Day of the Dead is meant as an invitation to the spirits of those who passed away to come and visit their families, Kitzes said.
Casas said growing up celebrating Dia de Los Muertos gave him a different perspective on death.
"It makes me realize it's not all bad," he said. "I see both sides of it."
Katy Knapp contributed to this story.
