As many of you know, Día de los Muertos is a strong tradition through Mexico, California and the southwest United States. To continue this tradition, every year at CCSM in Kloss Hall we build an altar to honor our loved ones who have passed. This year, for the first time we will honor someone who has fallen in the struggle for social justice: Cesar Chavez, the United Farm Worker (UFW) leader. He died peacefully in 1993 after 31 years of organizing for farmworker rights. We will also honor our friends and family that have passed away.

Building of the altar provides, for me, occasion to share my culture’s Día de los Muertos tradition. I know for Chicanas and Mexicans, Día de los Muertos is like Thanksgiving in the US. It is a time for our families to come together to eat, celebrate, honor, and give thanks for loved ones no longer with us. Many of us make altars in our homes and place items our loved ones enjoyed in life, such as their favorite drink, food, music.

Please bring pictures of your deceased loved one to place on the altar along with items they owned, food, and drinks they enjoyed. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Peace and blessings!

Jorge