La Casita hosted the day of the dead celebration by honoring women and femmes lost to gender violence.
Editor’s note—Content warning: This story makes reference to femicide, intimate partner violence, and domestic abuse.
Ofelia Esparza blessed the altars on the North Lawn Nov. 6 to commence the start of Dia de Los Muertos at CSUDH. The smell of sage wafted through the air, while East Los Angeles-based troupe Danza Azteca Xochipilli performed a spiritual dance.
In Hispanic culture, Day of the Dead is an opportunity to remember loved ones. Friends and relatives of the deceased decorate altars, or ofrendas in Spanish, with marigold flowers and symbolic items from loved ones.
La Casita’s theme was restorative justice, particularly for women who are victims of violence and femicide in Latin America.
The United Nations reports that, in 2023, an estimated 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members. That averages to about 140 deaths per day.
Koatzin Kamil Cruz, program director of La Casita, told The Bulletin that every year the organization sets a new intention for its altar.
“Over the past years, we have noticed a lot of political violence against women, gender violence can’t only be physical but political,” Cruz said
Fourteen altars were on display on the North Lawn, each with its own style. Students engaged in activities such as bracelet making, face painting, and writing notes for loved ones. Champurrado and pan dulce were given to students as the event continued into the evening.
Event co-chair Emma Villarreal, an international business student from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, recited a poem about feeling fortunate that the women in her life are safe, yet fearing they may not live to see another day.
“I decided to participate because I have been in these gender violence protests, it’s a topic that moves me a lot,” Villarreal said. “Helping people understand the situation happening in those countries motivated me to be here today.”
Malaysia Robinson, a Toro alumna, told The Bulletin that being a campus committed to diversity and inclusivity is important because it allows the community to raise awareness about issues affecting different cultures.
“Being able to honor what makes us unique and what we value is really important,” said Robinson. “When you hear about violence or death through violence, this is a powerful event to bring awareness to situations that go under the bus.”
Kathryn Lawrence, a sophomore business management and marketing student, told The Bulletin that the celebration helps highlight the violence affecting relatives, loved ones, and community members.
“This event brings heavy feelings, a lot of sadness,” Lawrence explained. “Being blessed by Ofelia Esparza and the Aztec dancer was very special.”