The College of Social and Behavioral Science, the College of Fine Arts, & the J. Willard Marriott Library invited the U campus to the Day of the Dead Celebration.
- Held from 10:30am-2:30pm in the J. Willard Marriott Library, the event was organized by Kelby McIntyre-Martinez (Associate Dean for Arts Education and Community Engagement in the College of Fine Arts) and hosted by the College of Social and Behavioral Science (represented by Dean Michelle M. Camacho), the College of Fine Arts (represented by Dean John W. Scheib), & the J. Willard Marriott Library (represented by Dean Sarah L. Shreeves). Approximately 50 East High School students and University of Utah students and faculty attended.
- In the Gould Auditorium, students from the School of Dance were led by Assistant Professor Kiri Avelar (Dance) and performed the "Sevillanas" Spanish folk dance. Avelar continues the tradition of teaching students this dance to honor the legacy of Tina Ramirez, who founded Ballet Hispánico in 1970. After the performance demonstration, university faculty and students from the high school and university were invited to join in on the dancing. They learned and participated in several exercises referred to as: Golpes (stomps), Palmas (claps), Floreo (hands).
- In the cafe, students were given the opportunity to have their faces painted or paint each other’s faces. The calavera (skull) or sugar skull face paint is a newer practice of Dia de los Muertos to honor and represent those who have passed on.
- The ofrenda (altar) was beautifully and traditionally decorated to honor the spirits of those who have passed on. Many of the photos were submitted by attendees who were given the chance to upload photos of a departed loved one. The ofrenda spanned several table lengths and included, in the center of the cafe, a larger work by artist Armando Solórzano. This bigger altar included religious symbols, lighted candles, special foods, and a framed photo of Cesar Chavez.