Sugar skulls, lit candles, decorative alters arranged the halls, its Day of the Dead. To showcase the traditions of Dia de los Muertos, Sigma Delta Pi organizes an altar competition. In this year’s competition four groups were assembled and created an altar. Premont High School, Unity Club, Freer High School and Sigma Delta Pi commemorated their loved ones through the tradition of an alter and competed for $100.
Day of the Dead goes deeper than altars it’s a time of remembrance of family members. During Day of the Dead cultural traditions are highlighted throughout Latin America.
“The value of Dia de los Muertos is having an opportunity to commemorate people who have passed away and share their experiences, history, legacy, their influence, their actions. In essence no one is really dead if we remember them. Altars are a way to remember our loved ones they host our loved ones; memorabilia and some of their favorite items,” Advisor of Sigma Delta Pi, Dr. Marco Iniguez said.
The streets of many Latin American countries are filled with parades, emphasizing the traditions of Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead creates a humerous perspective towards death and is often used to shine a light in the wrongdoings of society.
However, one of the most iconic symbols for Day of the Dead is an altar, usually consisting of a variety of things, ranging from flowers to a loved one’s favorite dish.
Traditionally people place symbolic items that belonged to their loved ones to help them remember who their loved one was and get an opportunity to share family stories.
“Putting Dia de los Muertos bread, water so they can drink and visit loved ones, any of their possessions on their favorite items including memorabilia and not just items that help us remember them. We leave food so they can join us in a meal,” Sigma Delta Pi President, Danny Olvera said.
Premont High School created the winning alter, with a cultural mix of memorabilia and special items. The altars in Sam Fore displayed iconic figures of Hispanic Heritage, leaders, and themes the groups throught was important to commemorate. The colorful altars create a cultural space and help other students learn about Hispanic traditions.
“It’s important to celebrate Dia de los Muertos to honor the loves that have passed and celebrate their life. Death is a part of the cycle of life, but that doesn’t mean that they will be forgotten…Dia de los Muertos symbolizes our respect for our past ones and the offering we make are to help them through their journey in the afterlife,” Animal Science major, Gisel Mireles said.