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If you walked through the D-building rotunda in October, you might have seen a colorful display against the windows, which included black and white portraits, candles, and other nostalgic heirlooms on display. On October 29th, to honor the Day of the Dead, students found the scent of fresh pan dulce, and the sound of guitars, violins, and soft singing at the annual “Dia de Los Muertos” as it is called in Spanish. 

The annual, identity-driven celebration featured vendors, community ofrendas, traditional music, and Mexican sweet bread.

But this year, what is normally a celebration of life and culture was met with some fear. Reports of ICE agents near Harper put many on edge. 

Student Eileen Hernandez explained that for many families who have been affected by deportation, celebrating this year can feel different. 

“It’s a bit harder to celebrate, especially these times right now,” Hernandez said. “It is sad, and I wish people were able to celebrate more freely instead of being scared.”

Hernandez reminded the audience of the importance of celebrating Day of the Dead, especially in the current political climate. 

“I think it is important to keep our culture alive and to show people that we’re not going anywhere, that this is our culture and we’re here to stay,” Hernandez said.

Two Harper students and musicians, who go by “Sol y Luna,” described what the Day of the Dead celebration means to them.

“It’s a tradition that can still bring us all together, especially right now,” said Luna, who asked that their real names not be disclosed. “Everyone’s scared to do a lot of things, like go grocery shopping or even just go take their dog on a walk.”

Festivities included three different events back-to-back: the ofrenda celebration in the rotunda, Immigration 101 with Dr. Sandy González Rivas in D174, and making Dia de los Muertos crowns with Latinos Unidos in D142. 

In D174, twelve students gathered to learn about the history of immigration rights. Dr. González Rivas, Harper College’s Undocumented Student Liaison and Peer-to-Peer Coordinator, led the Immigration 101 session.

The slideshows explored immigration issues within the United States of America, including a brief overview of unlawful detention,  and tips on how to interact with ICE. 

“Really, in having this semester, we have a variety of different ways that we are getting that information out,” Dr. González Rivas said. “Whether it be through faculty, trainings and workshops, through student trainings, partnering with external partners- trying to connect students in that way.”

Student Vito Abromaitis, who attended the session, said the program was a valuable resource. 

“It’s very good to have a celebration of culture and to have immigrants be aware of what the laws are, how to stay safe, and how to stay connected to resources in these times,” Abromaitis said.

In D142, the room was filled with colorful DIY crafts and smelled of conchas and hot chocolate. Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez, co-advisor to Latinos Unidos, led a handmade Dia de los Muertos crown-making session. 

As the day came to an end, the community came together to create a greater sense of unity that went beyond bonding–it embraced resilience through upholding culture.