On Tuesday, November 1, 2016, the Latin Club led a celebration of the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos, at the New York Film Academy Los Angeles campus. The entire student body was invited to the event to learn the cultural significance of the holiday. “It’s important for me because it is a huge celebration in Mexico, and the idea was to share our Latin culture with others and to also welcome our new club members,” Latin Club Leader, Vanesa Prieto, said.
An altar was built with candles, flowers, and revered Mexican artists. Tables were lined with traditional food like chicken mole, horchata, tres leches cake, and sugar skull cookies. There was also a bevy of entertainment including a DJ and two poetry readings.
NYFA worked with the Make-Up Designory to bring in artists to apply the “sugar skull” make-up. When make-up artist Michelle Cruz was asked why she wanted to participate, she said, “I’m a Latina. I wanted to represent my culture and this make-up properly. This day is about experiencing the beauty of death and not the tragedy.” She continued, “I’m excited to see everyone with their faces done up and walking around the party.”
NYFA student, Yang Chen, stumbled into the party as she was leaving class. When asked why she wanted to join the event, she exclaimed, “I’ve never joined a school event. I know the sugar skulls but not much else about the culture. I’m excited to learn and get my face painted.”
The idea of wanting to learn the culture was prevalent amongst the guests.
New York Film Academy would like to thank the students who came out to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos with us.