A vibrant new student organization called the Power in Culture Club is hosting an intriguing event that celebrates Latino traditions.
“Week of the Dead” will span three days and include many lively activities open to everyone studying or working on the Truckee Meadows Community College campus.
- Fun and food on TMCC’s plaza (or in Student Center if raining): Nov. 2-3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Activities in the V. James Eardley Student Center: Nov. 4, 9-11 a.m.
“What makes our event amazing is that not only is it going to be fun for the student body and faculty, but also will introduce the customs and traditions of the Latino culture,” said Erik Bravo, club president.
Food trucks, piñata breaking, traditional music and crafts will be live on the plaza, or in the Student Center if it's raining, on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 2-3.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, an ofrenda will be constructed in the student center, introducing the college community to “Dia de los Muertos,” Day of the Dead, a tradition from Mexico. An ofrenda is a shrine to honor those who have passed on before us. It is believed that the gates of heaven open on Oct. 31 and all souls are reunited with family members for 24 hours. Festivals celebrate their homecoming – families being together once again.
Traditions differ by region. In urban centers of Mexico and the U.S., altars within the home are dedicated to a loved one who has died. Flowers, candles and pictures of the deceased are placed on the ofrenda. Dia de Los Muertos is also remembered in many parts of Central America.
Other Unique Events Coming Up
“We have a lot of fun events coming in the future which will be including all sorts of Latin customs ranging from dances, music, colorful and elaborate costumes, delicious food and so much more that I can’t even list them all at this time,” Bravo said. “We are always looking for creative input from the student body about different customs and traditions they would like to see happen.”
Bravo said that it is important to the club for many cultures to be celebrated.
“We are about promoting ourselves and others to be who they are,” Bravo said. “To embrace their backgrounds and show that no culture is ever black and white.”
All Are Welcome To Join the Organization
The Power in Culture Club is officially recognized by TMCC’s Student Government Association (SGA), and the group welcomes any interested student.
“Absolutely, we welcome all students from all walks of life,” he said. “Just because we are known as a Latino club for now does not mean that others don’t have something to bring to the table. We believe quite the opposite – everyone has something to bring to diversify our group. We stand behind our group’s name and believe that there is Power in Culture.”
The club meets on the last Monday of every month, from 11 a.m. until noon. Bravo said that they may both increase the length of the meeting and move to a larger meeting area.
“We may need a bigger room for our skyrocketing numbers,” he said.
In addition to Bravo, officers for the Power in Culture Club are:
- Alexandra Stewart – Vice President
- Antonio Gonzalez – Treasurer
- Maria Leon – Secretary
For more information about student organizations at TMCC, please visit the SGA website, or call 775-673-7203.