Augustana to host Day of the Dead celebration

Rock Island, Ill. – Dia de los Muertos—also known as the Day of the Dead—is a Mexican holiday that honors friends and family members who have died. Augustana College’s Latinos Unidos student group will host a Day of the Dead event on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Casa Latina (3416 9½ Ave.), Black Culture House (3249 10th Ave.) and Asian Pagoda House (912 34th Ave.). The general public is invited to attend.

Each of the locations will have a different activity for students and community members that attend, including refreshments, face painting, music, crafts and more. This year one of the houses will feature a Catrina doll, one of the most well-known symbols of the Day of the Dead.
 An important activity connected with the Day of the Dead celebrations is building private altars to honor the deceases using sugar skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Augustana students will build altars for this event.

“It was believed that the deceased come back to earth during these days and see the altars created in their memory,” said Greg Aguilar, Augustana’s director of multicultural services. “It is also believed that they can hear the music that is played, and smell the food that is prepared for them. While they cannot be seen, it is alleged that their presence can be felt by those who believe.”

Due to class schedules, Augustana students are planning an early Day of the Dead celebration. Traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, the Day of the Dead is connected with two Catholic holidays—All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

For more information, please contact Director of Public Relations Keri Rursch, (309) 794-7721 or kerirursch@augustana.edu.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 146 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world’s most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.