This Homecoming season, Associated Student Government (ASG) partnered with the Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (HOTT) to create this year’s Homecoming shirt. Emporia State’s homecoming game falls on the same day as Emporia’s Día de los Muertos celebrations.
The holidayis traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. However, to make the holiday more accessible for the Emporia community, HOTT throws a festival during the weekend, according to Sally Sanchez, a member of HOTT.
“Day of the Dead is in celebration of our passed loved ones, ” said Sanchez. “Honoring them on that day.”
HOTT helped design ESU’s homecoming shirts by offering input and suggestions, according to ASG vice president and senior psychology major Hailey Kisner.
“I think it shows that ASG is supportive of their (HOTT’s) mission and their vision,” Kisner said.
ASG will also have a table at the Dia de los Muertos celebrations in the afternoon on Oct. 29. There will be a parade at 10:30 a.m. on Commercial Street. Other festivities will happen from noon to 5 p.m. between eighth and ninth Streets.
These will include competitions, games, choreographed dance performances, music and food. HOTT invites all who would like to attend to join in on the family-friendly fun, according to Sanchez.
“We are pretty honored to have the partnership,” Kisner said.
Day of the Dead is a cultural and personal thing for those who celebrate it, according to Sanchez. Many different cultures and countries have their own way of celebrating. Some even have different names for the holiday. For example, Brazilians celebrate Dia de Finados which is a somber day to honor their deceased loved ones and often involves grave visits and mass.
For other cultures, the day or days are much more vibrant in color, music, dances and food. Some bake sugar skull cookies or ladder cookies. Some make ofrendas or offerings on an alter–esque table, according to Sanchez. But, most importantly, they all honor their loved ones who have passed and carry them with them in spirit and in memory.
