IVCC Day of the Dead celebration bridges cultures

An artist’s paintbrush rests among the candles, paper figures, and vibrant garlands of tangerine-colored flowers that decorate Illinois Valley Community College’s Day of the Dead altar.

And there are notes written to loved ones. “I’m trying to make you proud.” “Love you, mom and dad!” and “My child looks just like you.”

Similar altar displays with candles, personal treasures, symbols, and photos are assembled all over Hispanic communities as Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) approaches on Nov. 1-2. Day of the Dead is not as grim or somber as the name implies, but a festive celebration of family ties, shared cultural history, and connection.

“Those who have passed are never truly gone – they are in the stories we tell. The altars are a way to stay in touch with our ancestors and pass those traditions on,” said student Valerie Valdes of Mendota.

Valdes’ parents moved to the United States when they were children, and she was born here. Day of the Dead reminds Valdes "that my identity is something to cherish and be proud of, because I know my family’s sacrifices made it possible for me to be here. Sometimes I feel too American to be Mexican, or too Mexican to be American, but the blend of two worlds is what makes me who I am.”

Art instructor Shannon Slaight embraces IVCC's observance because it brings solace at a time of year that is a painful reminder of her younger sister’s death. Slaight places her sister’s favorite snacks on the altar each year, and her family leaves messages.

“We work hard to keep her memory alive, which I believe is the true meaning of this activity. Sharing our grief gives us a chance to place that hurt somewhere. Realizing we can lean on each other for support helps us feel not so alone,” Slaight said.

This year, student Brisa Nunez of Mendota created an altar in her bedroom decorated in memory of her father. It includes a can of his favorite beverage, among other mementos. He loved being outdoors, and she fondly remembers being awakened by radio music “which was my cue to get out of bed and go hang out with him!”

Building a mini-altar in her high school class a couple of years ago helped Nunez face her loss for the first time. “That altar brought me so much joy, which is why I wanted to create one this year at home. Day of the Dead reminds me how beautiful and short life is, and how grateful we are for the time we had with someone.”

The holiday is filled with family gatherings and community celebrations, and Nunez enjoys telling her young cousins about the traditions behind the colorful decorations.

Seeing IVCC’s altar helps Valdes feel comfortably connected to both worlds. Slaight calls it magical and captivating, and “I love letting my eyes dance all over the colors, lights and pictures.”

Nunez says the altar “reminds me how many people like me there are.” Some of her friends who are not Hispanic have embraced the tradition. “The altars we made in high school – a lot of them kept theirs!”

To hear more on this topic, listen to IVCC’s recent podcast at https://soundcloud.com/ivcceagles/ivcc-pulse-day-of-the-dead.