IN A FLASH: El Día de los Muertos at Kent State

The celebration of el Día de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead – begins on the evening of Nov. 1 in countries around the world, including Mexico, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, the Philippines and much of Latin America. 

Detail of a Day of the Dead display in the Kent Student Center

Members of the Spanish and Latine Student Association (S.A.L.S.A.) at  assembled ofrendas, or altars, in the Kent Student Center, Bowman Hall and Tri-Towers. These displays celebrate, honor and remember lost loved ones and include specific, symbolic elements. Each represents the elements of the natural world: fire, water, earth and air. People also leave offerings to the deceased, like some of the foods they had most enjoyed. 

Detail of Day of the Dead ofrenda in Bowman Hall

Photo courtesy of Kent State’s College of Arts and Sciences

S.A.L.S.A. was created to assist in the success of the Latine students and those interested in the Latine culture at Kent State. Current S.A.L.S.A. President Aimee Flores (pronounced EYE-meh FLOOR-ez) said, “It’s a celebration of life. Whenever you see a Day of the Dead celebration happening, people are excited to celebrate the people who have passed on because they have made such a huge impact on their lives.”

Day of the Dead ofrenda in Bowman Hall

Photo courtesy of Kent State’s College of Arts and Sciences

Want to see one of YOUR photos in “IN A FLASH?” Submit your Kent State-related photos to InAFlash@kent.edu and you may see them in a future Kent State Today post. Photos should be framed – horizontally – and include a brief description of what’s happening in the photo along with when and where it was taken.

Detail of the Day of the Dead ofrenda in the Kent Student Center
POSTED: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 08:39 AM
Updated: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 11:32 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Phil B. Soencksen