Day of the Dead started off with a Dance of the Tecuanes and a prayer. Its dancers dressed as Jaguars that elegantly moved to the beat of drums that represents hunting and a spiritual connection to earth. They prayed for those locked in jails, people who died at the borders, mother’s who passed at birth, the stars and Turtle island. Then followed by other dances like the La Danza de los Viejitos and dances by different age groups.

Fullerton College held an event called Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Thursday night in the quad to recognize friends and family members who have passed on from this life. Ancient Mesoamericans believed that death was not the end but rather the beginning of a journey and that new life came from death much like the plants and trees with its cycle of life. In the event there were dancing calaveras, the burning of sage, the hot tamales, the lit candles, and the gritos of the people. All celebrating the life that was once lived and the cherished memories that they give their friends and family.

“It’s good that the college cares for the culture and glad that the event was going on,” said attendee Jose Millian.

There was a wealth of food and vendors serving agua frescas and champurrado. Everyone attending the event received a meal ticket where they got two free hot tamales either chicken tamales or vegetarian tamales.

Among the cheerful banter with booths sold many different types of jewelry, ponchos, masks and murals of the famous Latin artist, Frida Kahlo.

The Fullerton Art department set up a coloring center where anyone, including children,could paint calaveras and wear them. With the help of the cosmetology department attendants could have their faces painted to add color to the festival.

“We are here painting faces to anyone that wants to and spread cheer,” said preparing cosmetologist Tess Maire.

The ofrenda is an altar that is the central theme of Dia de los Muertos. It is an altar of pictures of departed loved ones and an altar to place things that they liked, for instance food or drinks.

The main dancer Mazatl Tepehyolotzin who led the Dance of the Tecuanes was a former student at Fullerton College, who is currently part of removes the bells.

Some altars paid homage to victims of suicide and drug addiction to help spread awareness to those issues. There were altars of soldiers of war, student’s families that have passed, and some pets that they had.