Day of the Dead, and for the living

The Mexican Association of Students (MAS) filled the Hall Building mezzanine with skulls and marigolds as part of the traditional Aztec celebration of the Day of the Dead.

While most North Americans celebrate Halloween, few remember that the tradition began as a way to scare off the souls that might rise from the grave on All Saints Day and All Souls Day (Nov. 1 and 2).

Latin American communities celebrate their ancestors on the Day of the Dead with paper cut-outs, offerings and food for the souls passing on to a new stage in life. Marigolds are featured because they are bright enough to light the ancestral souls’ way. This year’s display, in conjunction with the Quebec Community of Mexicans, honoured those involved in the Oaxaca struggle.

A separate altar commemorated the Mujeres de Ciudad Juarez. Symbolic pink crosses (one is visible on the right) represent the 450 young women who have disappeared from the border town of Juarez since 1993. The huge textile industry there provides work for women with few means, hoping to get across the border into nearby El Paso, Texas.

According to MAS representative Daniella Guerrero, many have turned up dead, victims of sexual assault. Because so many of the young women were poor and disenfranchised, the government has been slow to act, despite increasing public pressure and growing awareness through events like this.