The Otter Cross Cultural Center, (OC3) in collaboration with El Centro and the Otter Student Union, is highlighting the Indigenous, Hispanic, and Latine holiday Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with an installation of an interactive ofrenda on the second floor of the OSU. The installation was made by Rubí Hernandez at their Meet the Artist Event last Tuesday.
Gathering in the OC3 room on the third floor of the OSU, Ruby Mendia, director of the affinity centers on campus, welcomed participants. He explained that Día de los Muertos is celebrated all over the Americas and the importance of this holiday for these communities.
“It’s a way to stay connected to our ancestors and to our loved ones,” said Mendia. “And it’s a way… to keep those memories alive for not just ourselves, but also to be able to pass it down to our future generations.”
Third year kinesiology major Lillian Aguilar works for the OC3 as their cultural engagement student coordinator. She explained why these art installations are important to the Cal State Monterey Bay campus.
“Considering that we are an [Hispanic Serving Institution], this is a tradition that is celebrated in [Hispanic, Latine and Indigenous culture], so I feel like these are important because if we could get at least one aspect from the way they celebrate, I feel like that would mean a lot,” said Aguilar.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated from Oct 31 to Nov 2 in order to honor families, friends, even pets and other loved ones by creating ofrendas or altars. People place pictures, favorite snacks or toys, sempasúchils and other items that represent water, earth, wind and fire on the ofrenda to help easy souls transition back to the land of the living.
Hernandez is from Guanajuato, Mexico, but is currently based in Salinas. As a multidisciplinary artist, her work highlights identity and social issues. Hernandez, alongside CSUMB students, set up the altar which will be displayed at OSU until Nov. 2.
“This altar was made with the intention to be interactive with students,” said Hernandez. Placing the ofrenda in the OSU allows it to be visible to all students and encourages them to add their own loved ones to the ofrenda.
“I think that having ofrendas in places like this can help the students to learn about other cultures and traditions from other countries because I know this university is very diverse,” said Hernandez. “I think it’s important for others to learn and discover. [And say] ‘Oh there’s people’s beliefs and traditions!’”
First-year marine science student Wyatt Wonnell attended the event for class, but states he would’ve shown up for the event either way.
“Half of my family is Hispanic, with the other half being Irish, so it’s important to me to learn about our history and traditions,” said Wonnell. “I’m a big fan of being able to learn something interesting while doing something fun. These events have been really helpful in that way.”