Dia de Los Muertos Es Muy Importante en Tech

Painting Sugar Skulls for Dia de Los Muertos

PHOTO | Madison Starks


The Office of International Student Services celebrated Dia De Los Muertos on Nov. 2 in the Hull Building Student Union.

Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration that typically takes place the day after Halloween or the week after Halloween. This day is meant to honor, pray for, and remember friends and family members that have previously passed on from this world. It is a day of celebration and remembrance. Although it is most typically observed in Mexico, it has made its way to the Arkansas Tech campus through International Student Services.

The Student Union was transformed into a celebration of those who have passed, complete with a traditional offering altar, photo booth, and decoration. They also offered students tamales, chips and salsa, and drinks. Some activities were available at the event, including the open altar and skull painting.

“The celebration was great. As agriculture education majors, we appreciate learning about different cultures because our students come from various backgrounds,” Shae Parsons, an agriculture education major from Branch, said.

The Office of International Student Services is also gearing up for an upcoming event: International Education Week.

“This week is dedicated to our international students. It is a big event, and it is celebrated nationwide. We will begin the celebration on Nov. 14 with a Fashion Show, Nov. 15 will be Japan Night, Nov. 16 we will celebrate Holidays Around the World, and on Nov. 17 we will close out the week with Bangladesh at a Glance,” Sarah Chronister, Director of International Student Services, said.

Chronister continued, “During this week, we also line the main road with the flags of our international students’ home countries. They will remain there for the entire week.”