ICG Assists with the Dia de los Muertos Festival-See Schedule

The Anthropology Club is spearheading efforts with other IUP organizations to create the first Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Festival at IUP. It is expected to be the most multicultural and collaborative event on campus for the fall semester. The Indiana Community is providing Mexican Marigolds (Cempazuchitls) grown in the garden for this event.

Día de los Muertos has been celebrated in Mexico for centuries. In the 1970s, the holiday began being celebrated in the United States. The Day of the Dead is a beautiful way to remember loved ones who have passed on, but has also become a platform for bringing attention to important social and educational issues. Every year, Día de los Muertos grows in popularity, and is now widely celebrated in communities from California to New Jersey: on main streets, in universities, museums, libraries, and in private homes.

The following is a synopsis of events planned on IUP’s campus:

Day of the Dead display in Stapleton Library beginning October 1.

October 19: PUPPET WORKSHOP by Dr. Brian Jones, for people wishing to make their own puppets for the Day of the Dead parade. From 3 to 5 pm in Waller Hall.

Oct. 28: CHALK-THE-WALK in the Oak Grove. Runs all week through Nov. 1.

October 28: LECTURE “Day of the Dead: An Affirmation of Life” by Dr. Harold Morales. 6:15 pm in Johnson Hall, room 247.

Oct. 28: ART SHOW “Calavera” by the Student Art Association. Reception at 2 pm on Nov. 1. In the Miller Gallery, 2nd floor in Sprowls Hall. Exhibit open 10 to 5 daily through Nov. 2.

Oct. 31: EXHIBIT in IUP Museum: “A Southern Mexico Ofrenda”. View a traditional southern Mexico home altar and ofrenda. Exhibit will include photographs of Dia de los Muertos in Mexico; some photos were taken by IUP professors. Runs through Nov. 2, during the museum’s regular hours.

Nov. 1: ALTARS EXHIBIT. View altars by participating student organizations; Susquehanna Room in the HUB. Best altar wins a Viewer’s Choice Award. The Dept. of Food and Nutrition will provide samples of traditional Mexican food. Listen to traditional Mexican music. Setup time for altars is 2:00 to 3:30 pm; Exhibit will be open from 3:30 pm until 10:00 pm.

Nov. 2: PARADE through the Oak Grove, ending at HUB. Day of the Dead COSTUME CONTEST and PARTY. Food, DJ, and dancing. People are encouraged to dress as Muertos and Catrinas, but all costumes are welcome. Parade starts 5:30 pm. Costume contest/party is from 6 to 8 pm.

The Department of Communications Media will create a documentary of the first Day of the Dead Festival at IUP. Participating campus departments will be documented as they prepare for and participate in the festival.