“We have the reparation in Chile in 1973 Palestinian that have fallen the war of Vietnam,” People History Association Club Advisor Walter Fernandez said during the Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 1 at Falcon Square.
The event had multiple clubs participating on Day of the Dead such as the Anthropology Club Puente Club, Artist Society Club and the People History Association Club.
The clubs sold drinks and food such as tamales, nachos and tacos.
Fernandez said that “It’s a student organized event,” and explained that students from different clubs wanted to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Fernandez also explained the origins for Day of the Dead.
“Day of the Dead is a combination of indigenous Columbian tradition’s combine with some of the Roman Catholic ideas,” he said.
He explained Day of The Dead event occurs every fall semester, and started seven years ago when it was first organized by Cerritos College students who were interested on Day of the Dead origin and culture.
“Every year is different, last time there was a ceremony,” Fernandez said.
Geology and Anthropology major and President of the Anthropolgy Club Serena Massrey explained that the event informed Cerritos College students about different cultures.
“We have four different alters explaining about the four different cultures and how they celebrate,” she said, “We are celebrating Diwali, Obon, Zawuen and Day of the Dead.”
Massrey also explained that she has been participating on Day of the Dead events and is really looking forward on informing Cerritos College students.
Puente Club member and biology major Hzel Montes explained that Puente club will be selling tamales and drinks, and informing students on Day of the Dead.
She explained that previous times when they celebrate Day of the Dead, clubs only serve burritos, and this year, Cerritos College students decided to change it up.
Montes said, “Am actually kind of excited ‘cause I never done anything like this,” she said, “ it’s my first time also being from a club but I feel comfortable with the Puente Club.”
She also explained having the Puente Club participating on Day of the Dead event is a good way to inform Cerritos College student about the club.
History major and President of People History Association Carolina Morales explained that her club displayed an alter on world events like the Nazi Concentration Camps, the mass murder of Chile civilians in the Vietnam war.
“Since PHA is a new organization on campus, it is our first time,” Morales said.
She added that was not nervous to teach Cerritos College students its history with a tradition her family even celebrates also.
She explained that People History Association is looking forward on participating on future Day of the Dead events.
Graphic Design major Andres Alegria, who was walking around looking at Day of the Dead decorations, explained that it’s good to teach students like himself about culture traditions.
Alegria said, “I think it’s a good way to expose students about its tradition culture,” he said, “I think we all should learn and get expose about different culture.”
Alegria also explained he is glad that Cerritos College have an event were people could go learn and meet interesting people.