Sharing the Día de Muertos tradition with younger generations at Cal State Long Beach

On Tuesday, hundreds of students gathered for an early celebration of Dîa de Muertos at Cal State University Long Beach (CSULB) to share and learn about this tradition. The day started with a procession following a group of Aztec dancers onto the south side of campus, then listened to popular mariachi songs, a theatrical presentation and ended with a piñata workshop. 

The Anatol Center, where the event was hosted, was decorated with the traditional flor de cempasuchil (Aztec marigold), candles and monarch butterflies. It also had several ofrendas (altars) honoring those who passed away. The themes of the ofrendas included the immigrant community, femicides and dedications to loved ones, among others.

Adolfo Arteaga, with Danza Xochipilli, said it was an honor to be part of this celebration because for him, Aztec dancing is a lifestyle. He takes these performances very seriously and honors the regalia every time he wears it. 

He said he feels proud to say that the Aztec dance has come a long way from where it was 50 years ago, when it was seen as witchcraft.

“It has become what our grandfather Cuauhtémoc [the last Aztec emperor] said, that all our traditions had to be hidden until it was the right time for them to come up again, which is right now,” he said. “And that’s how we see the flourishing of our culture throughout the United States.”

Rodrigo Rodriguez, from Mariachi Romanza, said it is an honor to continue sharing the culture with younger generations, including his son, Diego Rodriguez, who plays in the mariachi and also attends CSULB.

“We are part of the community and we enjoy seeing this [celebration] because traditions can get lost when they don’t continue being promoted,” he said. 

As a proud younger generation sharing the tradition, Diego said he’s studying Spanish and Chicano/Latino Studies but also enjoys following his dad's footsteps in music.

“For me, culture is something that is very important to share,” he said. “With my family, we have certain traditions we follow. Plus, my dad is a musician, so he shows the culture with music.”

The organization

Felicia Montes, Chicano/Latino Studies professor at CSULB, said they not only honor Día de Muertos as the Mexican culture does, but they also recognize CSULB is on the sacred land of Puvungna and want to connect with other Indigenous communities. 

“It is also important as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with over 40% of Hispanic, Latinx, Chcanx communities to have authentic representation,” she said. 

Montes said this is her second year organizing the day-long event, but several other celebrations have taken place in the past honoring Día de Muertos. 

Edgar Mejia, civil engineering student and member of the Los Tiburones mariachi at CSULB, said he was very excited to see this event taking place. He said he grew up listening to Mexican music, with Hispanic traditions and learned to play the guitarrón at a very young age. 

“At first I didn’t want to play [as a child], but my mom forced me and now I enjoy it very much,” he said. “As I get older, I feel this is something I want to continue sharing, and events like this are super special, especially on college campuses.”

Montes said the ofrendas were created by the public after an open call to the community to create their altars. Different groups and departments on campus responded. The altars will be available for viewing until Nov. 4 at the Anatol Center at CSULB.