City College News

Once again Helland Center provided the setting for a wonderful cultural celebration.

On Oct. 28 and 29, "Chicano Latinos Unidos" a very active MCTC student group, brought the festivity of a very special holiday, "Dia de los Muertos" or Day of the Dead, to Helland Center in invitation to share the traditional music, food, and dancing of this important event with the students and staff of MCTC.

I was able to join this ethnic celebration on October 28th and thoroughly enjoyed the energy of the very talented Mexican Folk dancers, appreciate the beauty of their ornate traditional costumes, learn about the holiday and culture, and partake in some of the delicious foods, a wonderful sweet egg bread called "Pan the Muertos" or Bread of the Dead and a delightful hot cocoa.

In contrast to the dark, frightening sentiment that "Halloween" evokes, "The Day of the Dead" is a bright and jubilant celebration of the memories of the deceased and the belief that death is just the beginning of another phase of life.

The holiday is typically observed on "All Saints Day" (Nov. 1) and on "All Souls Day" (Nov. 2) in Mexico and other Latin American countries, each culture celebrating in their own way. Immigrants from these countries honor their heritage by continuing the traditions of this important holiday.

The time and great care taken to share this interesting holiday with us, in creating the magnificent costumes worn, practicing the music, dance and history that was presented, arranging a display of precious items for the deceased called "La Ofrenda", and sharing the cultural foods, was evident and appreciated.

To learn more about the history of this interesting holiday, upcoming cultural events, and the Chicano Lati- nos Unidos student group visit http:// www.clumn.org.

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