The Latin Student Organization has been celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with displays for over five years, according to Becky Quesada, Student Services Specialist from the Multicultural Student Services office.Quesada explains, “The Spanish Catholic Church changed the date of All Souls Day to November 1 and 2 as the days for celebration.”

According to Quesada, the invading Spanish in Mexico’s history considered the ritual sacrilegious and tried to eradicate it by a date change to All Souls’ Day. The original days of celebration in early modern Mexican tradition centered on late October, Quesada added.

Many cemeteries in Mexico are decorated and vigils are held at each gravesite, according to Quesada. “The weeds are pulled, gravestones are cleaned and food is brought.it is our memorial day of the dead,” said

Quesada, “Altars are built around the graves as well as in homes. Photos, mementos and favorite foods of the dead are all displayed on each altar dedicated to those dead relatives and friends.