As a tribute to life and death, and as a way to remember that life in this world is only temporary, the Student Government Association, Spanish Club and the Latinos Unidos Hispanic Student Union at the University of Southern Indiana are inviting guests to learn about and celebrate the Day of the Dead. The event will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. November 1 in the lobby of the Liberal Arts Building, and is free and open to the public.

Guests will learn more about the Day of the Dead at the opening ceremony, enjoy face painting, Latin music, and dancing with trained dance instructors. Refreshments will be served after a candle procession in the Labyrinth in front of the Liberal Arts Building.

The custom of worshiping the dead was brought to the Americas by both, the Spanish and the Africans. Africans added dance and different beliefs about the idea of death. It also is notable to see the influence of Halloween in several areas: masks, face painting, costumes and candy collection by children are common. The result is a rich, mixed and multicultural celebration that has evolved over centuries by incorporating different elements from various sources.

For more information, contact Dr. Manuel Apodaca Valdez, associate professor of Spanish, at [email protected] or 812-228-5038.