Starting on Monday, Oct. 27, in honor of Dia de los Muertos, Chabot college is celebrating the important Mexican holiday by following cultural traditions and will have student created altars across the campus.

Beginning in the event center, the Puente program, will be including a live performance of bomba, (Afro-Mexican rooted music) while also serving pan dulce (traditional Mexican sweet bread) and champurrado (a hot chocolate cornstarch beverage), all set to start around noon; while providing those attending a map of the altars set throughout Chabot.

There will be 12 altars across campus, all with different themes by various groups at Chabot (American lit. class; Puente; CLEA (Chicano Latino Education Association), and more).

Chabot is holding this event in hopes that it engages with our community, raising cultural awareness and creates a deeper appreciation for ancestral remembrance.

Anthony Valverde, a Puente and Chabot student, spoke about the holiday as a heartwarming tradition in which we honor our ancestors. “For me, this day puts me at peace; we remember those before us and we hope that in continuing the tradition, those who come after us will honor us as well.” In celebrating this day Anthony suggests to have fun, keeping those who’ve passed, in our minds and spirit, we can spark certain memories and share our stories.

This celebration will be a personal representation from the authors, of those who have passed. They contribute personal representations and tributes to their loved ones placed onto the altar.

“This day makes me feel very happy as I am able to connect with my family and reconnect with my past ancestors; it helps to bring up a lot of memories and nostalgia” said Anthony Garcia, a Puente and Chabot Student. For those who are building their first altar, Anthony suggests “don’t overthink it, it doesn’t have to be perfect as long as you use your creativity and include personable items.”

Organizing the event, Sandra Genera, the Puente counselor and coordinator, was gracious to invite me to Puente’s first day of the altar building. When asked to personally define the day of the dead, she mentioned family, community and remembrance. While also adding, feeling a sense a pride when the holiday comes around, “it’s about honoring and respecting those who came before us, understanding we are not where we are with out those who helped us.” She also urged others who have interest in celebrating the holiday, to reach out and get involved with their communities, mentioning various locations around the Bay Area who will be hosting events and festivals for their respective communities.

A day to honor and celebrate our loved ones who have passed on, this Mexican holiday celebrates their culture, giving everyone who participates a personal experience, yet creating a community engaging environment. Now, this cultural experience will be shared with the Chabot community.